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.

Imagine that you have been asked to write an article for an encyclopaedia on Britain and the history of cotton. Write your piece using information from the entire chapter.

Answer»

Britain and the History of Cotton
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, merchants would trade with rural people in textile production. A clothier would buy wool from a wool stapler, carry it to the spinners, and then, take the yarn to the weavers, fuller and dyers for further levels of production. London was the finishing centre for these goods. This phase in British manufacturing history is known as proto-industrialisation. In this phase, factories were not an essential part of industry. What was present instead was a network of commercial exchanges.
The first symbol of the new era of factories was cotton. Its production increased rapidly in the late nineteenth century. Imports of raw cotton sky-rocketed from 2.5 million pounds in 1760 to 22 million pounds in 1787. This happened because of the invention of the cotton mill and new machines, and better management under one roof. Till 1840, cotton was the leading sector in the first stage of industrialisation.

Most inventions in the textile production sector were met with disregard and hatred by the workers because machines implied less hand labour and lower employment needs. The Spinning Jenny was one such invention. Women in the woollen industry opposed and sought to destroy it because it was taking over their place in the labour market.
Before such technological advancements, Britain imported silk and cotton goods from India in vast numbers. Fine textiles from India were in high demand in England. When the East India Company attained political power, they exploited the weavers and textile industry in India to its full potential, often by force, for the benefit of Britain. Later, Manchester became the hub of cotton production. Subsequently, India was turned into the major buyer of British cotton goods.
During the First World War, British factories were too busy providing for war needs. Hence, demand for Indian textiles rose once again. The history of cotton in Britain is replete with such fluctuations of demand and supply.

2.

Give two reasons why the population of London expanded from the middle of the eighteenth century.

Answer»

The city of London was a magnet for the migrant populations due to the job opportunities provided by its dockyards and industries. By 1750, one out of every nine people of England and Wales lived in London. So, the population of London kept expanding through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
During the First World War, London began manufacturing motor cars and electrical goods. This increased the number of large factories, which in turn increased the number of people coming to the city in search of work.

3.

Why did some industrialists in nineteenth-century Europe prefer hand labour over machines?

Answer»

Some industrialists in nineteenth-century England preferred hand labour over machines because there was no labour shortage in the market, and as a result, there was no problem of high wage costs either. Industrialists did not wish to replace hand labour with machines that would require large capital investment. Also, in industries where the production and amount of labour required were dependent on the seasons, hand labour was preferred for its lower costs. Apart from this, many goods could only be manufactured by hand. Machines could provide mass quantities of a uniform product. But the demand was for intricate designs and shapes; this required human skill, and not mechanical technology. Handmade products also stood for refinement and class status. It was commonly believed that machine-made goods were for export to the colonies.

4.

Why did industrial production in India increase during the First World War?

Answer»

Industrial production in India increased during the First World War because British mills became busy with tending to war needs. Manchester imports decreased, and Indian mills suddenly had a huge home market to supply. Later, they were also asked to supply war needs such as jute bags, cloth for army uniforms, tents, leather boots, saddles and other items. There was so much demand that new factories had to be set up even when old ones ran on multiple shifts. Industrial production boomed with the employment of new workers and longer working hours.

5.

When did the export of British cotton goods increase dramaticlly ?

Answer»

In the early 19th century.

6.

The Chola ruler who had subdued the Ganges and obtained the title 'Gangai Konda Cholan' was(a) Rajaraja Chola (b) Rajendra Chola I (c) Rajadhiraja Chola (d) Kulattunga 

Answer»

(b) Rajendra Chola I

7.

One of them was not conquered by Kaniahka from China Identify. (a) Khotan (b) Yarkand (c) Kashgar (d) Kapisa

Answer»

Kapisa  was not conquered by Kanishka from China.

8.

Which one of the Chola Kings conquered Ceylon? (a) Aditya I (b) Rajendra (c) Rajaraja I (d) Vijayalaya

Answer»

Vijayalaya one of the Chola Kings conquered Ceylon.

9.

The dynasty that excelled itself as a naval power was that of the (a) Hoysalas (b) Cheras (c) Cholas (d) Pallavas

Answer»

The dynasty that excelled itself as a naval power was that of the Cholas.

10.

During the 4th century AD the Western Satraps were conquered by (a) Sassanian rulers (b) Afghan rulers (c) Satavahanas (d) Kadambas

Answer»

(a) Sassanian rulers

11.

The author of Ashtadhyayai is (a) Charaka (b) Panini(c) AIyabhatta (d) Chanaky

Answer»

The author of Ashtadhyayai is Panini.

12.

Mahabharata was also known as (a) Brihat Katha (b) Jaya Samhita (c) Rajatarangini (d) Purana

Answer»

Mahabharata was also known as Rajatarangini.

13.

Who is credited with having written the immortal classic treatise Raja Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms on Meditation)? (a) Panini (b) Kapila (c) Patanjali (d) Manu

Answer»

Patanjali is credited with having written the immortal classic treatise Raja Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms on Meditation)

14.

Which Chola ruler had conquered the northern part of Sri Lanka and made it a province of his empire? (a) Rajindra Chola I (b) Adhirajindra Chola (c) Parantaka Chola I (d) Rajaraja Chola I

Answer»

(d) Rajaraja Chola I

15.

Fatehpur Sikri had been founded by (a) Akbar (b) Jahangir (c) Babar (d) Humayun

Answer»

Fatehpur Sikri had been founded by Akbar.

16.

Kailasa Temple, one of the largest monolithic structures, is in (a) Ajanta Caves (b) Elephanta Caves(c) Ellora Caves (d) Nalanda Caves

Answer»

(c) Ellora Caves

17.

The Cresco paintings of Ajanta caves illustrate the art of the (a) Guptas (b) Mauryas (c) Kushanas (d) Rashtrakutas

Answer»

The Cresco paintings of Ajanta caves illustrate the art of the Guptas.

18.

The ancient, medical treatise, Charaka Samhita is attributed to Charaka, who was a contemporary of (a) Kanishka (b) Chandragupta Maurya (c) Ashoka (d) Samudragupta

Answer»

(a) Kanishka

19.

The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora are related to:1. Hindu and Buddhist2. Buddhist and Jain3. Hindu and Jain4. Hindu, Buddhist and Jain

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 4 : Hindu, Buddhist and Jain

The Correct Answer is Hindu, Buddhist and Jain.

  • The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora are Hindu, Buddhist and Jain.

  • Ellora, built by Rashtrakutas is located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. 
  • It is one of the World Heritage Sites. It is well known for its monumental caves
  • 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu Caves (caves 13–29) and 5 Jain caves (caves 30–34).
  • These caves were built in proximity and demonstrate the religious harmony prevalently during this period of Indian history.
  • The Kailasha or Kailashanatha temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India.
  • It is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world, featuring Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments, and artwork, dating from the 600–1000 CE period

  • The five Jain caves at Ellora belong to the ninth and tenth centuries.
    • They all belong to the Digambara sect.
  • Twelve Buddhist caves were built during the 5th-7th century.
  • Most popular of the Buddhist caves is Cave number 10, a Chaitya hall (chandrashala) or 'Vishvakarma cave', popularly known as the Carpenter's Cave
  • Dashavatara cave (Cave 15) at Ellora depicts the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
  • There is the Rameshvara Cave (Cave 21) and Dhumar Lena Cave (Cave 29).
  • There are total seventeen caves at Ellora that belong Hindu religion. They are numbered from thirteen to twenty-nine and date back to somewhere between 600 AD and 875 AD.
20.

In which town is the mausoleum of Sher Shah located? (a) Lahore (b) Fatehpur Sikri (c) Sahasaram (d) Agra

Answer»

(c) Sahasaram

21.

Sher Shah's last campaign was against (a) Mount Abu (b) Kalinjar (c) Surat (d) Chittor

Answer»

Sher Shah's last campaign was against Kalinjar.

22.

Name the famous Sufi saint whose mausoleum was erected at Fatehpur Sikri.(a) Nizamuddin Auliya (b) Sheikh Muin-ud-din Chisti (c) Baba Farid-ud-din (d) Sheikh Salim Chisti

Answer»

(d) Sheikh Salim Chisti

23.

Who among the following are credited with having built the famous Ellora Caves? (a) The Cholas (b) The Satavahanas (c) The Rashtrakutas (d) The Cheras

Answer»

(c) The Rashtrakutas

24.

Hemu, whom Akbar defeated In the Second Battle of Panipat (1556), was (a) Minister of Sikandar Shah Suri (b) Minister of Muhammad Adil Shah (c) Ruler of Rewari (d) Prime Minister of Rana Udai Singh of Mewar

Answer»

(b) Minister of Muhammad Adil Shah

25.

The mausoleum of Jahangir had been built by _____ at _____. (a) Shah Jahan : Delhi (b) Noorjahan : Lahore (c) Shah Jahan : Fatehpur Sikri (d) NooIjahan : Agra

Answer»

(b) Noorjahan : Lahore

26.

Explain the following economic reforms which had an impact on Indian Business and Industry: (a) Liberalisation (b) Globalisaton

Answer» For explanation of liberalisation and globalisation, refer to Part (a) and (c) respectively of Short Answer-4 (NCERT) Questions on Page 78 of Chapter-3.
27.

Sher Shah's mausoleum is at Sahaaaram in Blhar but he died at (a) Delhi (b) Agra (c) Chunar (d) Kalanjar

Answer»

Sher Shah's mausoleum is at Sahaaaram in Blhar but he died at Kalanjar.

28.

Most of the rock-cut caves, chaityas , monasteries, temples, etc. at Ajanta and Ellora were built during the period of (a) Chalukyas of Badami (b) Rastrakutas of Manyakheda (c) Both (a) and (b) above (d) Imperial Guptas

Answer»

(c) Both (a) and (b) above

29.

Consider the following statements with reference to Ajanta caves:1. Ajanta is the only surviving example of a painting of the first century BCE and the fifth century CE.2. The Mahayana sect of Buddhism started the excavation of caves in Ajanta.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. 1 only2. 2 only3. both 1 and 24. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 1 : 1 only

The correct answer is 1 only.

  •  The Ajanta caves are situated at a distance of about 100 km north of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
  • Ajanta has twenty-nine caves.
  • It has four chaitya caves datable to the earlier phase, i.e., the second and the first century BCE (Cave Nos. 10 and 9) and the later phase, i.e., the fifth century CE (Cave Nos. 19 and 26).
  • It has large chaitya viharas and is decorated with sculptures and paintings.
  • Ajanta is the only surviving example of a painting of the first century BCE and the fifth century CEHence, statement 1 is correct.

  • The Hinayana sect of Buddhism started the excavation of caves in Ajanta. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.

  • Among the important patrons at Ajanta were Varahadeva (patron of Cave No. 16), the prime minister of the Vakataka king, Harishena; Upendragupta (patron of Cave Nos. 17–20) the local king of the region and feudatory of the Vakataka king, Harishena; Buddhabhadra (patron of Cave No. 26); and Mathuradasa (patron of Cave No. 4).
  • Ajanta caves are the repository of rich mural paintings.
  • Paintings of the early phase are mostly in caves nine and ten, which belong to the period of the Satavahanas.
  • The themes of the paintings are the events from the life of the Buddha, the Jatakas and the Avadanas.
  • The celestial figures of Kinnaras, Vidyadharas and Gandharvas are depicted in paintings and sculptures.
  • In one of the events, the Boddhisattva, Chaddanta, is shown removing his own tusk and giving it to the hunter, Sonuttar.
  • The popular Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is depicted in painting and sculpture.
  • The other important paintings are the famous Padmapani and Vajrapani in Cave No. 1.
  • Architecturally, Ajanta caves are grouped into two: chaityas and viharas.
30.

ONGC ______ is a subsidiary of the Indian public sector enterprise, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.1. Videsh2. Vinesh3. Vighnesh4. Vishesh

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 1 : Videsh

The correct answer is Videsh.

  • ONGC Videsh Limited, a Miniratna Schedule “A” Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) of the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
  • It is the wholly-owned subsidiary and overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the flagship national oil company (NOC) of India.
  • It owns Participating Interests in 37 oil and gas assets in 17 countries.

  • The headquarters of ONGC is Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
  • CEO of ONGC is Shashi Shanker.
  • Oil discovered for the first time in India was Digboi.
  • ONGC operates a refinery in Tatipaka which is located in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd is a subsidiary of ONGC.
  • Mumbai high oil field is run by ONGC.
31.

Explain any four points of impact of government policy changes on business and industry

Answer» For impact of government policy, refer to Long Answer-4 on Page 88 of Chapter-3.
32.

Ajanta caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, in which about 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves were built, how ancient was that?A. 8th century BCB. 2nd century BCC. 6th century BCD. 4th century BC    1. B 2. C 3. D 4. A

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 1 : B 

The correct answer is B.

  • ​Ajanta caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, which was built in the second century BC.
  • Around 29 rock-cut 'Buddhist caves' have been made in these caves.
  • Ajanta caves are one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture, cave painting, and sculpture painting.
  • These paintings on the walls and ceilings of the caves depict various incidents of the life of Lord Buddha and various Buddhist deities.
  • These caves are built in the shape of huge horseshoes by cutting the mountain.
  • Ajanta caves were included in the list of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1983.
  • It is believed that these caves were constructed during two different periods 'Satavahana and Vakataka'.
33.

Why is proper organisation structure important?

Answer» Proper organisation structure clarifies the authority-responsibility relationaships among the employees.
34.

A company has planned its sales for the year 2016-17. Name the type of plan.A. BudgetB. PolicyC. RuleD. Method

Answer» Correct Answer - (a) Budget
35.

Why does Dr.Zakir Hussain call India"The young state of an ancient people"?

Answer»

Dr. Zakir Hussain Call India "The Young state of an ancient people because although India full of many young people,people of new generation but the values our ancestors tried to vour and relaised also still can be view wed our past is not dead, our ancient values are not dead, they are alive".

36.

It merely means granting of authority to subordinates to operate within prescribed limits. Mention the concept referred here.

Answer» Delegation of Authority
37.

The first woman Governor of a State in free India was (a) Mrs. Sarojini Naidu (b) Mrs. Sucheta Kripalani (c) Mrs Indira Gandhi (d) Mrs. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit 

Answer»

(a) Mrs. Sarojini Naidu

38.

Mrs Annie Besant became the first woman President of the INC in (a) 1916 (b) 1917 (c) 1918 (d) 1920

Answer»

Mrs Annie Besant became the first woman President of the INC in 1917.

39.

Who was the first Chief Minister of Bihar after India's independence?1. Sri Krishna Singh2. Deep Narayan Singh3. Binodanand Jha4. None of the above

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 1 : Sri Krishna Singh

The correct answer is option (1) i.e. Sri Krishna Singh.

  • Sri Krishna Singh is regarded as one of the Architects of Modern Bihar. He is the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar.
  • Bihar and Orissa separated from Bengal Presidency in 1912 as a single province and later Orissa became a separate province under the Government of India Act of 1935 and thus Bihar became an administrative unit of British India.
  • At the time of Independence in 1947, the State of Bihar, with the same geographic boundary, formed a part of the Republic of India, until 1956. At that time, In 1956, an area in the south-east, predominantly the district of Purulia, was separated and incorporated into West Bengal as part of the Linguistic Reorganization of Indian States. 
40.

Who is the chief minister of bihar

Answer»

Shri Nitish Kumar

41.

Who was the first chief minister of Bihar?(a) Anugraha Narayan Singh(b) Karpoori Thakur(c) Shri Krishna Singh(d) Jay Prakash Narayan 

Answer»

Shri Krishna Singh was the first chief minister of Bihar.

42.

The only President of India who was elected unopposed is :(a) Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (b) Dr. Zakir Hussain (c) Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (d) Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Answer»

(c) Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

43.

Who was the first woman Chief minister of Bihar?(a) Annie Besant(b) Mayavati(c) Rabri Devi(d) Sarojini Naidu 

Answer»

Rabri Devi was the first woman Chief minister of Bihar.

44.

The Prime Minister is : (a) elected by Lok Sabha (b) elected by the Parliament (c) appointed by the President (d) nominated by the party enjoying majority in Lok Sabha

Answer»

(c) appointed by the President

45.

Which of the following is true in context of the President? (a) He addresses the first session of the Parliament after each general election of the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year (b) He addresses the first session of Parliament at the beginning of each year as well as the last session held at the end of each year (c) He addresses the Parliament daily (d) None of these

Answer»

(a) He addresses the first session of the Parliament after each general election of the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year

46.

In which of the following situations does the President act in his own discretion?(a) In appointing the Prime Minister (b) In returning a proposal to the Council of Ministers for reconsideration (c) Both of the above (d) None of the above

Answer»

(b) In returning a proposal to the Council of Ministers for reconsideration

47.

The Ministers are individually responsible to: (a) the President (b) the House of the people (c) the Prime Minister (d) the House of which they are members

Answer»

The Ministers are individually responsible to the President.

48.

When can a President use his discretion in appointing the Prime Minister? (a) In all circumstances (b) In no circumstances (c) Only when the Lok Sabha has been dissolved (d) When no political party enjoys a clear majority in the Lok Sabha

Answer»

(d) When no political party enjoys a clear majority in the Lok Sabha

49.

Which one among the following" is the basis of difference between the Parliamentary and Presidential system of government?(a) Power of Judicial review (b) Method of election of President/Head of the State (c) Legislative supremacy in law making (d) Relation between the legislature and the executive

Answer»

(b) Method of election of President/Head of the State

50.

An 'office of profit' which disqualifies a person from being a member of the Union or State Legislature does not include office held under: (a) the Government of India (b) a State Government (c) a local authority (d) All of the above

Answer»

(c) a local authority