Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

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.

State whether the following statements are True or False with reasons.Buddhism spread to several parts of India and beyond.

Answer»

This statement is True. 

The teachings of Gautama Buddha did not make reference to the concept of God. Also, the sacred literature (Tripitkas) was written in the language of the common people, namely, Pali. Buddha made monasticism an inseparable part of his creed. The function of monasticism was to provide suitable conditions for personal and societal development.

Thus, Jainism and Buddhism are perceived as ‘protest religions’. Both these religious traditions opened their doors to all sections of society. The right to salvation was no longer limited to a particular stratum of society. Understandably, Buddhism with its fewer rigid rules and regulations in comparison to Jainism was embraced by many.

Buddhism gave great importance to the moral upliftment of human beings and directed people to lead moral lives. It insisted on virtues like charity, self-sacrifice, control over passions, and non-injury in thought and action. These virtues are also advocated in the Upanishads and also widely practiced through the Buddhist way of life.

Buddhism thus spread far and wide even beyond the boundaries of India because of the patronage of the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka. As a missionary religion, Buddhism spread to foreign lands like Tibet, China, Japan, Mongolia, Burma, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka.

2.

Identify the appropriate term from the given options in the box and rewrite it against the given statement.Puranas, Purusharthas, Jati System, Vardhaman Mahavir, Sola Sati, Ardhamagadhi, Jainism, Holy Sabbath, Din-i-Ilahi, Langar, Brahmo Samaj, Social Legislations, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Viharas, Buddhism, Animism, Guru Granth Sahib, Lopamudra(i) A sacred observance of Jews.(ii) A religion started by Akbar.(iii) The sacred literature of Sikhs.(iv) The Punjabi term for a community kitchen.(v) One of the notable Vedic and Upanishadic woman scholars.(vi) It highlights exemplary religious qualities which are emulated as role models by Jain women.(vii) Buddhist monasteries.(viii) It refers to laws passed to promote social justice.

Answer»

(i) Holy Sabbath

(ii) Din-i-Ilahi

(iii) Guru Granth Sahib

(iv) Langar

(v) Lopamudra

(vi) ‘Sola Sati’

(vii) Viharas

(viii) Social Legislation

3.

How did the all women Indian Navy crew go about their voyage?

Answer»

Indian Navy’s all-women crew was the first-ever to circumnavigate the globe. The crew started their voyage from Goa, flagged off by the Defence Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman. It – was a historic day, marked in navigation history, globally. It covered the expedition in five legs with stopovers at four ports viz. Fremantle, Australia; Lyttelton, New Zealand; Port Stanley, the Falklands and Cape Town, South Africa for replenishment of ration and repair as necessary, before returning to Goa in April 2018. The six member women crew broke many stereotypes during their recordsetting sail.

4.

Mention the special features of INSV Tarini.

Answer»

INSV Tarini is the second sailboat of the Indian Navy. It is a 55 foot sailing vessel built indigenously in India by M/s Aquarius Shipyard Pvt. Ltd, located in Goa. After undergoing extensive sea trials, she was commissioned to the Indian Navy service.

5.

_________ promoted the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia. (Akbar, Harshvardhan, Ashoka)

Answer»

Ashoka promoted the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia.

6.

Discuss with your friend the role of a women in building a family. What are the roles played by her?

Answer»

Women are the forerunners of a nation. Indian culture attaches great importance to women. Women comprise half of world’s population. Women are the key to sustainable development and quality of life in the family. The varieties of role the women assume in the family are those of spouse, leader, manager, supervisor of family income and last but not the least important the role of a mother.

7.

Wiyat does INSV stand for?

Answer»

INSV stands for Indian Naval Ship Vessel.

8.

State whether the following statements are True or False with reasons.India is the most populous democracy in the world. –

Answer»

This statement is True.

In Post-Independent India, we have taken on a system of governance based on the principle of democracy. The three arms of government are the Executive, Assembly Legislature as well as Judiciary. We have the principle of democratic decentralization where power percolates down to the grassroots level.

The Indian political system no longer recognizes the former statuses of prince, nawab, raja or rani. All citizens are equal in the eyes of law. Modern India has embraced the principles and practice of free and fair elections. Voting rights are given to all citizens of India, on the attainment of age 18. India also has a multi-party system – and parties may be national, state or regional in character. Individuals also have the right to contest in elections. We also have a federal system of governance – Centre, and State/Union Territory-

The goals, policies, and agenda of each government are guided by its own principles or ideologies. There are differences and multiple views (for example, Left, Right, and Centre). The role of the opposition is the responsibility of keeping a check on the government in power. Consensus is an important value in a democratic society. Thus, India is the most populous democracy in the world.

9.

There have been protests regarding The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights)Act, 2019. Find out more about this and hold a class discussion.

Answer»

The issues to be discussed are as follows:

  • The proposed measure would increase discrimination against transgender people. 
  • These communities often live on extreme fringes of Indian society, with many forced into prostitution, begging or menial jobs. 
  • Discrimination with regards to education, employment, and the ability to rent or buy a property. 
  • The bill fails to maintain Civil Rights like marriage, adoption, social security benefits, etc. 
  • Need to raise awareness and express solidarity with the transgender community.
10.

Complete the following statements by choosing the correct alternative given in the brackets and rewrite it.The Special Marriage Act was passed in the year ________ (1950, 1952, 1954)

Answer»

The Special Marriage Act was passed in the year 1954.

11.

_________ gave India a strong and stable political administration. (Akbar, Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya)

Answer»

Akbar gave India a strong and stable political administration.

12.

The Juvenile Justice Act was passed in the year _________ (2019, 2015, 2005)

Answer»

The Juvenile Justice Act was passed in the year 2015

13.

_________ Jains believe that the principle of nudity is an essential element in the path of liberation. (Digambara, Swetambara, Hinayana)

Answer»

Digambara Jains believe that the principle of nudity is an essential element in the path of liberation.

14.

The _________ learnt the art of warfare and administration. (Shudras, Kshatriyas, Brahmins)

Answer»

The Kshatriyas learnt the art of warfare and administration.

15.

Explain the concept:Mandalam

Answer»

The kingdoms of South India especially Cholas were divided into many provinces. These provinces were known as ‘Mandalam’. A member of the royal family was the chief of the Mandalam.

16.

Explain the concept:Gonds

Answer»

The Gond dynasty was established at Chanda (Chandrapur) during the Yadava period. Kol Bheel was the founder of this dynasty. He brought the people of the Gond tribe together and encouraged them to rebel against the Naga dynasty. He established the capital at Sirpur. In the later period, Khandkya Ballal Singh built a fort at Ballarpur and shifted the capital from Sirpur to Ballarpur. The temple at Achaleshwar was constructed during his period.

17.

State your opinion.Two styles of architecture are seen in South India.

Answer»
  • Two styles of architecture ‘Dravida’ and ‘Vesara’ developed in South India. 
  • The Dravida style emerged and developed in the regions from the Krishna river to Kanyakumari. 
  • The important feature of Dravida architecture was identified by the construction of Shikhara. 
  • In this type, the stories reduce in size as the Shikhara rises. Examples of this style can be seen in the Kailasnath and Vaikuntha Perumal temples at Kanchi, Brihadeshwara temple at Tanjore. 
  • The Chalukyas built temples at places like Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal. 
  • During the Rashtrakuta period, the world-famous ‘Kailasa’ temple was created.
18.

Explain the concept:Yadavas

Answer»

Yadava dynasty is one of the important dynasties of medieval Maharashtra. Bhillam V (1185-93 C.E.) is the important king of the Yadava dynasty. He expanded the kingdom by defeating the Kalachuris. He established his capital at Devgiri and got himself coronated. In the later period, Singhan was an important ruler of this dynasty. He defeated the Hoysalas, Shilaharas and expanded the rule of Yadavas.

19.

Find the odd one out:Languages in the Dravidian group: (a) Tamil (b) Kannada (c) Malayalam (d) Marwari

Answer»

Correct Answer is  (d) Marwari

20.

Write the names of historical places, persons, and events:1. Composition of Pravarasena II in Maharashtri Prakrit2. The passion of art during the Chalukya period

Answer»

1. Setu bandha

2. Kirtivarman

21.

Explain the concept:Shilaharas of North Konkan

Answer»

Kapardi established the north Kokan branch of Shilaharas. Rulers of this branch were initially the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas. Their capital was at Sthanak (Thane). Aparajita was another important king of this branch. He ruled for around thirty-five years. Chittaranjan followed Aparajita as King. His brothers fought for their claim to the throne.

22.

Describe the rule of the Shilahara dynasty.a) Founder (b) Shilahara of South Konkan (c) Shilaharas of North Konkan (d) Shilaharas of Kolhapur

Answer»

(a) Founder: 

Jimutvahan is considered to be the founder of all three branches. They ruled for almost three hundred years as the feudatories of Rashtrakutas and later the Chalukyas.

(b) Shilahara of South Konkan: 

Sanafulla established the South Konkan branch of Shilaharas. His son, Dhammiyar set up the village of Vallipattana and built a fort there. Later King Adityavarma expanded his kingdom from Thane to Goa. Rattaraj was the last ruler of this dynasty. One of the copper plates found at Kharepatan gives an account of the history of this dynasty.

(c) Shilaharas of North Konkan:

 Kapardi established the North Konkan branch of Shilaharas. Their capital was at Sthanak (Thane). Aparajita was an important king of this branch. He ruled for around thirty-five years. He was followed by Chittaraj.

(d) Shilaharas of Kolhapur:

The modern districts of Satara, Sangli, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum were included in this kingdom. Jatiga established the Kolhapur branch of Shilaharas. Bhoj II was an important king of this dynasty. Kolhapur, Valivade, and Panhala were the capitals of this kingdom. ‘Koppeshwar Mahadev’ temple at Khidrapur was the creation of Shilaharas.

23.

Find the odd one out:Texts composed in South India: (a) Setubandha (b) Ratnamalika (c) Kavirajmarg (d) Mattavilasa

Answer»

(d) Mattavilasa

24.

The name of the well-known king of Vakatak dynasty was ______________ (a) Sarvasena (b) Pravarasena (c) Jaising (d) Chandragupta

Answer»

Correct option is (b) Pravarasena

25.

The capital of Shilaharas of North Konkan was _____________ (a) Sthanak (Thane) (b) Goa (c) Kolhapur (d) Panhala

Answer»

(a) Sthanak (Thane)

26.

Write the names of historical places, persons, and events:1. Text composed by Sarvasena2. Two styles of temple architecture in South India

Answer»

1. Harivijaya

2. Dravida and Vesara

27.

The President of the Drafting Committee of our Indian Constitution.A) Rajendra Prasad B) Dr. B.R, Ambedkar C) Babu Jagjeevan Ram D) Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer»

(B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

28.

_____________ was a capable king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. (a) Dantidurga (b) Krishna I (c) Amoghvarsha (d) Krishna II

Answer»

(c) Amoghvarsha

29.

The Rashtrakuta dynasty declined because of _____________ (a) attacks of Pallavas and Satavahanas. (b) attacks of Parmars and Chalukyas of Kalyani (c) attacks of Pallavas and Chalukyas and Satavahanas (d) attacks of Cholas and Valatakas

Answer»

(b) attacks of Parmars and Chalukyas of Kalyani

30.

Write the names of historical places, persons, and events:1. Temple at Khidrapur2. Gond Queen who fought against Akbar

Answer»

1. Koppeshwar Mahadev

2. Queen Durgavati

31.

The world famous Kailasa temple was built during the ______________ period. (a) Chalukya(b) Pallava (c) Cher (d) Rashtrakuta

Answer»

Correct option is (d) Rashtrakuta

32.

What were the conditions in India during 1971-75?

Answer»

India was going through an economic crisis with rising inflation and food prices. There was influx of refugees from Bangladesh and a subsequent War with Pakistan in 1971. USA had imposed sanctions on India after the War that further burdened the economy. The opposition parties had formed a policy of anti-Congressism and there began agitations against the government. Indira Gandhi subsequently imposed National Emergency in India in 1975.

33.

Name the following:The Hazar Ram temple and Vitthal temple were built in Vijaynagar during his reign.

Answer»

Krishnadevaraya

34.

Give a description of the economic conditions during the period 1971-1975.

Answer»

India was reeling under an economic downturn after the 1965 War with Pakistan. There had been a shift of developmental expenses to defence expenditure. There had been rising inflation of essential items and slow growth in jobs. The Congress had won the Election under the slogan of garibi hatao (remove poverty). Subsequently, the Bangladesh crisis had put a heavy strain on India’s economy. Apart from this, the U.S. government had stopped all aid to India and international price oil had increased quickly during the period. This led to an increase in inflation whereby the prices increased by 23 per cent in 1973 and 30 per cent in 1974. Industrial growth was low that caused unemployment to rise. The government froze the salaries of its employees to decrease its expenditure. The food grain production had declined due to a bad monsoon in 1972- 73. These conditions led to the unrest among students and government employees in various parts of India.

35.

Give a brief description of the Gujarat Movement.

Answer»

Gujarat had a Congress led government in the State. In January 1974, students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains and other essential commodities and against corruption in the government. The protest of the students was supported by major opposition parties. Due to this, the Indira Gandhi government imposed President’s rule in Gujarat. The opposition parties agitated for fresh elections to the state legislature. Morarji Desai announced that he would go on an indefinite fast till the time fresh elections were held in the State. The government due to the pressure from the students and the opposition political parties announced assembly elections in Gujarat. The Congress government was defeated in the State. There were major protest movements within Gujarat after the Emergency. Subsequently, during the 1977 elections after the Emergency, Congress lost many seats within the State.

36.

Explain the Election results of 1971.

Answer»

The number of seats won by Congress (R) and CPI alliance were more than the total seats won by Congress in previous four general elections. Their alliance had won 375 seats in Lok Sabha with 48.4% of the votes with the Congress (R) winning 352 seats. The opposition party Congress (O) won only 16 seats with the Opposition Grand Alliance winning less than 40 seats. The win established Indira Gandhi and Congress (R) as the successor of the Indian National Congress.

37.

Where and when did Lal Bahadur Shastri die?

Answer»

Lal Bahadur Shastri died in Tashkent on 10th January, 1966.

38.

Mention any three challenges faced by the Congress from 1964-1971.

Answer»

The three main challenges faced by the Congress were:

(i) There was a war with Pakistan in 1965 and an economic crisis in India. This led to an increase in prices of essential items and food grains, rise in unemployment and transfer of funds from development expenses to defense expenses.

(ii) The death of Lal Bahadur Shastri led to the fear of succession in India. Indira Gandhi was made Prime Minister with the support of the Syndicate. Subsequently, conflict arose between the two factions and the Congress split into Congress (R) and Congress (O).

(iii) The opposition had begun to form alliances and there was a rise in defection in State assemblies. Congress was at lowest seats since the 1952 elections and the party lost elections in multiple State assemblies.

39.

Which treaty did Lal Bahadur Shastri sign with Pakistan?

Answer»

Lal Bahadur Shastri signed the ‘Tashkent Treaty’ with Pakistan.

40.

Who were the two Congress Leaders who fought election for the Leader of Congress Parliamentary party after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri?

Answer»

Secret ballot was conducted between Indira Gandhi and Morarji Desai for the election of the Leader of Congress Parliamentary Party.

41.

Write an article on the 1971 election and re-establishment of the Congress Party.

Answer»

The election was a contest among Congress (R) and Congress(O) and Grand alliance of Opposition parties. Indira Gandhi gave slogan of “Garibi Hatao” and also made Public Sector growth, Rural Landownership, Delimitation of urban property, end of disparity in income and opportunity, and termination of Privy Purse as election agenda. She also tried to muster support of oppressed classes, tribes, minority, women and unemployed youth. Congress alliance has secured 375 seats with 48.4% votes. Congress(O) could secure only 66 and Grand Alliance of opposition could win less than 40 seats. Indira Gandhi reinstituted the Congress party working system. The old Congress party was not revived by such changes. This party was built by Indira Gandhi by her own way. This party was dependent on popularity of their leader but party organization was very weak. This party was dependent on social communities like poor women, untouchable obsessed, tribes and minority.

42.

How long did Lal Bahadur Shastri hold the post of Prime Minister of India?

Answer»

Lal Bahadur Shastri remained Prime Minister only for 19 months.

43.

Who was the Prime Minister of India after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri?

Answer»

Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India after Lal Bahadur Shastri.

44.

Who was official candidate for ‘The President of India’ election from the Congress Party in 1969?

Answer»

Neelama Sanjeeva Reddy was the official candidate for the Congress party.

45.

Correct the following statement and rewrite:The election of 1980 established supremacy of Indira Gandhi.

Answer»

The elections of 1967 proved to be a boon and it established supremacy of Indira Gandhi.

46.

Describe the prevailing scenario for the appointment of Prime Minister after the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Answer»

After the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi and Morarji Desai were the two main contenders for the position of Prime Minister. Congress President had proposed name of Indira Gandhi, although Morarji Desai was a more experienced candidate. The leaders of the Syndicate were not in favor of Morarji Desai and considered that Indira Gandhi was naive and therefore can be controlled by them. Indira Gandhi was elected by securing 355 votes while Morarji Desai had secured only 169 votes. Indira Gandhi was appointed as the Prime Minister.

47.

What was the famous political slogan of Indira Gandhi in 1971 General Election?

Answer»

The slogan of ‘Garibi Hatao’ became the popular slogan by Indira Gandhi.

48.

Why did Indira Gandhi take time to settle as a Prime Minister?

Answer»

Indira Gandhi had to lead the Lok Sabha Election within one year of becoming the Prime Minister. Economic condition was grim at that time and the Syndicate had absolute control over the Congress. Due to these difficulties, Indira Gandhi had taken some time to settle as a Prime Minister.

49.

Name two main political parties that formed a coalition under the Indira Gandhi government.

Answer»

Congress (R) headed by Indira Gandhi and Indian Communist Party were two political parties in the political coalition that came into power in the 1971 General election.

50.

Write briefly the history of Globalization.

Answer»

The term Globalization was introduced by Prof. Theodore Levitt. The history of Globalization can be explained in three stages namely

1. Archaic globalization 

2. Proto Globalization 

3. Modem Globalization

Archaic Globalization: An early form of globalized economies and culture is known as Archaic Globalization existed during the Hellenistic Age. 

The trade links of the earlier days can be summarised as.

1. Between Sumerian and Indus Valley Civilisation 

2. Greek culture stretched from India to Spain 

3. Between Roman empire, Parthian empire and the Hans dynasty. 

4. The advent of Mongol empire greatly facilitated travel along the silk road.

These Pre-modem phases of global exchange are called Archaic Globalization.

Proto Globalization: It arose because of the rise of maritime European empires in the 16 and 17 Centuries, the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and British empires. In the 17 century, the British East India company is described as the first Multinational Company and the Dutch East India company were established.

Modern Globalization: It is witnessed between 19th and 20th century. In the 19th century – Global trade and capital investment. In the 20th century, higher share of trade in merchant production, Global trade in services, Rise in production and trade by MNCs and Technological changes. Agreements of trade contracts like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and World Trade Organisation (WTO). Technological changes lowered the cost of transport charges.