⭐ SECTION A — MCQs (ENGLISH) WITH EXPLANATIONS
1) Which of the following was known as the biggest symbol during the Cold War?
A) Great Wall of China
B) Plateaus of India
C) Berlin Wall
D) Mountains of Russia
Correct Answer: C) Berlin Wall
Explanation:
The Berlin Wall symbolized the division between the communist bloc (USSR) and the capitalist bloc (USA) during the Cold War. It represented political tension, ideological rivalry, and physical separation between East and West Berlin. Hence, it became the strongest symbol of the Cold War.
2) When was the ‘Single Market of Europe’ formed?
A) February 1992
B) January 1993
C) March 1994
D) January 1995
Correct Answer: B) January 1993
Explanation:
The Single Market of Europe aimed to allow the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among EU countries. It officially came into operation on January 1, 1993, strengthening economic integration.
3) When did ‘SAFTA’ come into effect?
A) 2006
B) 2007
C) 2008
D) 2009
Correct Answer: A) 2006
Explanation:
SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) was created to reduce trade barriers among SAARC nations. It became functional in 2006, promoting economic cooperation in South Asia.
4) Which of the following was a colony of France in 1950?
A) Cuba
B) Vietnam
C) Kenya
D) Argentina
Correct Answer: B) Vietnam
Explanation:
Vietnam was part of French Indochina, under French colonial rule until the mid-1950s, after which it gained independence.
5) Globalization is –
A) Flow of goods
B) Flow of ideas
C) Flow of capital
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation:
Globalization includes the movement of goods, services, ideas, information, and capital across countries. All three components together make option D correct.
6) Who has played the most important role in globalization?
A) Communication and technology
B) Political Party
C) Social organizations
D) Religious organizations
Correct Answer: A) Communication and technology
Explanation:
Modern globalization is driven mainly by technology—Internet, satellites, transport, communication systems—which connects markets and people quickly.
7) When did the state of Andhra Pradesh come into existence?
A) 1950
B) 1952
C) 1954
D) 1956
Correct Answer: D) 1956
Explanation:
The States Reorganisation Act (1956) reorganized states on a linguistic basis. Andhra Pradesh was formed by merging Telugu-speaking regions.
8) Who among the following were the economic experts involved in the First Five-Year Plan?
A) J.C. Kumarappa
B) Charan Singh
C) Verghese Kurien
D) K.N. Raj
Correct Answer: D) K.N. Raj
Explanation:
K.N. Raj was a key economist who shaped India’s First Five-Year Plan (1951–56), especially in drafting the growth strategy.
9) When did the Second Five-Year Plan start?
A) 1956
B) 1955
C) 1957
D) 1952
Correct Answer: A) 1956
Explanation:
India’s Second FYP (focused on heavy industries) began in 1956 and followed the Soviet-inspired development pattern.
10) Which of the following was a supporter of the Warsaw Pact?
A) Britain
B) Soviet Union
C) Pakistan
D) France
Correct Answer: B) Soviet Union
Explanation:
The Warsaw Pact (1955) was a military alliance led by the Soviet Union to counter NATO during the Cold War.
11) Who was the first foreign minister of India?
A) Subhash Chandra Bose
B) Deendayal Upadhyaya
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) B.R. Ambedkar
Correct Answer: C) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation:
Nehru held multiple portfolios, including Foreign Affairs, after independence, making him India’s first foreign minister.
12) When did President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed declare emergency?
A) 22 June 1974
B) 26 June 1973
C) 21 June 1972
D) 25 June 1975
Correct Answer: D) 25 June 1975
Explanation:
The Emergency (1975–77) was declared due to “internal disturbances,” giving the central government extraordinary powers.
13) Who was the proponent of Revolution in India?
A) Jayaprakash Narayan
B) Syama Prasad Mukherjee
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) George Fernandes
Correct Answer: A) Jayaprakash Narayan
Explanation:
Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) led the Total Revolution Movement to reform Indian politics and society (1970s).
14) When was the fourth general election held in India?
A) 1965
B) 1966
C) 1967
D) 1968
Correct Answer: C) 1967
Explanation:
The 1967 election marked the end of Congress dominance in many states, introducing coalition politics.
15) When did Nagaland become a full state?
A) 1961
B) 1962
C) 1963
D) 1964
Correct Answer: C) 1963
Explanation:
Nagaland was granted full statehood in 1963 due to its unique cultural and political demands.
16) Movements took place in Assam (1979–1985) against infiltrators of which country?
A) Bangladesh
B) Pakistan
C) Sri Lanka
D) Nepal
Correct Answer: A) Bangladesh
Explanation:
The Assam Movement aimed to remove illegal migrants who had entered from Bangladesh, affecting demographics and politics.
17) Which PM led the National Front Government in 1989?
A) H.D. Deve Gowda
B) V.P. Singh
C) I.K. Gujral
D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Correct Answer: B) V.P. Singh
Explanation:
V.P. Singh became PM in 1989 heading the National Front coalition, supported from outside by BJP and Left parties.
18) When was BAMCEF formed?
A) 1975
B) 1976
C) 1977
D) 1978
Correct Answer: D) 1978
Explanation:
BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) was founded in 1978 to uplift marginalised communities through social justice initiatives.