Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Gilt-edged market refers to high-grade investment securities, typically government bonds, that are considered extremely safe and low-risk. These securities offer reliable returns and have a high credit rating. In finance, it refers to government securities (bonds) with minimal risk of default.

Explanation

The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act of 1992, commonly referred to as the Panchayati Raj Act, was a landmark legislation aimed at empowering local self-governance in India, especially at the grassroots level. Institutions were created to function at three levels: village, intermediate (block), and district levels, with the goal of decentralizing power and fostering local self-governance. It sought to ensure effective economic and social development through empowered local bodies. The Act aimed to empower rural areas by providing constitutional status to Panchayats, enhancing their role in local governance, economic development, and social justice.

Explanation

A is the correct match with 1: Boom refers to an economic period where growth, employment, and production are at their peak which results in a high level of business activities. B is the correct match with 2: Recession indicates a slowdown where business activity diminishes, leading to lower economic indicators, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. C is the correct match with 3: Depression is a severe down-turn with significant negative effects on income, employment, and output. A continued recession turns into depression. D is the correct match with 4: Recovery is a phase of improvement in economic conditions after a recession or depression which results in steady rise in general level of prices, income, output and employment.

Explanation

The Government of India Act of 1935 was a landmark legislation that introduced significant constitutional reforms in British India. It aimed to establish a federal structure, provide provincial autonomy, and extend self-government. The Act also created a bicameral central legislature and granted limited political participation, though it fell short of full independence.

Option (a) is correct: As per the Government of India Act of 1935, dyarchy which was provided for the Federal Executive. Dyarchy in the provinces was abolished. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect: As the act did provide for:

The Act provided for a bicameral legislature at the centre, consisting of the Council of States (Upper House) and the Legislative Assembly (Lower House). Provincial Autonomy i.e., the distinction between Reserved and Transferred Subjects was abolished and full responsible government was established Establishment of an All-India Federation (proposed, but not implemented)

Explanation

The Indian National Army (INA) was formed during World War II with the objective of fighting against British rule in India. The idea of INA was first conceived in Malaya by Captain Mohan Singh in 1942. The Indian National Army was officially formed in Singapore in 1943. It was led by Subhas Chandra Bose, who sought support from the Axis powers (primarily Japan) to organize an army that could help achieve Indian independence. Bose gave the INA the slogan "Chalo Delhi" to inspire the troops to march towards Delhi to overthrow British rule.

Explanation

As the partition of India became imminent in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea of dividing the country along communal lines. Gandhi proposed that Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, be invited to form the central government of India as a last-ditch effort to avoid partition. Gandhi believed this move would address Jinnah’s demand for Muslim representation and avert the division of the country. However, this suggestion was not accepted by either the Congress or the Muslim League.

Explanation

The native state of Tripura, a princely state during British rule, became involved in the freedom movement due to its geographical proximity to Bengal and the political dynamics of the early 20th century. The native state of Tripura became part of the freedom movement early in the 20th century because some groups in the state were against the king’s rule and his support from the British. They wanted to challenge the king’s power and reduce British influence in the region. These efforts were linked to the larger fight for India’s independence, inspired by the freedom movement in nearby Bengal and other areas.

Explanation

The Quit India Movement (August Movement) of 1942 was a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence. The movement saw widespread participation from various sections of society, including students, workers, and peasants. Assertion (A) is true: Lord Linlithgow considered the Quit India Movement a significant challenge, as it led to widespread uprisings, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of administration. Reason (R) is true: In regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Maharashtra, peasants actively participated, leading to violent clashes with British authorities, giving the movement a mass character. Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

During the time of India’s partition in 1947, as the Indian subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan, there were various political movements and regional aspirations for different parts of British India. Some groups in Punjab, including the Akali Dal, proposed that the province should remain united and independent instead of being split between India and Pakistan. They were worried about the division of the region. However, this idea was not accepted, and Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan.

Explanation

The Balkan Plan refers to a proposal that aimed at dividing India which was one of the strategies considered to address the political situation leading to the partition of India in 1947. The idea was inspired by the division of Balkan States in Europe. Balkan Plan (1947) was the brainchild of Lord Mountbatten. He proposed dividing India into smaller regions along religious lines and transferring power to separate provinces with Punjab and Bengal given the option to vote for partition of their provinces.