All questions of Independence and After for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

• 53 political parties were participating in the first general elections for the Lok Sabha seats. 
• These included the 14 national parties, according to the report by the Election Commission of India. Besides, there were independents. There were a total number of 1,874 candidates, including 533 independents.

The correct answer is option 'D', which means only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation:

1. The Constituent Assembly was indirectly elected by the provincial assemblies which themselves were elected based on a limited franchise established by the Indian Independence Act 1947.

This statement is correct. The Constituent Assembly of India was formed to draft the Constitution of India. It was indirectly elected by the members of the provincial assemblies, who themselves were elected based on a limited franchise established by the Indian Independence Act 1947. The Act provided for separate electorates and reserved seats for various communities, which led to a limited and restricted voting rights for the adult population.

2. The 1935 Act imposed qualifications based on tax, property, and education, but the majority of the adult population was eligible for voting.

This statement is incorrect. The Government of India Act 1935, which was the governing legislation at the time, did impose qualifications based on tax, property, and education for voting rights. It introduced a system of separate electorates and reserved seats for various communities, which excluded a large portion of the population from voting. The Act also introduced a high property and income qualification for candidates to contest elections. As a result, only a small percentage of the adult population was eligible for voting.

Therefore, statement 1 is correct, and statement 2 is incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is option 'D' - 1 Only.

Nationalists believed that the refugee problem could only be solved through a transfer of population and acquisition of certain territories from Pakistan rehabilitate the people who came into India.

Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'B' - 2 Only. Let's examine each statement individually:

1. The Cripps Proposals of 1942 and the Cabinet Mission rejected by the Congress as unacceptable:
The Cripps Proposals were put forth by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the British Cabinet Mission, in March 1942. These proposals aimed to address the demand for Indian self-government and the involvement of Indians in the war effort during World War II. However, the proposals fell short of Congress' expectations as they did not provide for full independence or satisfy the demand for immediate transfer of power. Therefore, Congress rejected the proposals as unacceptable.

2. The Cabinet Mission recommended the forming of the Constituent Assembly and an interim government:
The Cabinet Mission, consisting of three British Cabinet members - Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander - was sent to India in 1946 to find a solution to the Indian constitutional issue. The mission recommended the formation of a Constituent Assembly to draft a constitution for India and the establishment of an interim government. The Constituent Assembly would consist of representatives from various political parties and would be responsible for framing the constitution. The interim government would be formed during the transition period until the constitution was finalized.

Therefore, the correct statement is that the Cabinet Mission recommended the forming of the Constituent Assembly and an interim government (Statement 2). The first statement, on the other hand, is incorrect as the Congress rejected the Cripps Proposals of 1942 as unacceptable.

Key Points:
- The Cripps Proposals of 1942 were rejected by the Congress as unacceptable.
- The Cabinet Mission recommended the formation of the Constituent Assembly and an interim government.
- The Constituent Assembly was responsible for drafting the constitution for India.
- The interim government was established during the transition period until the constitution was finalized.
- The Cabinet Mission played a crucial role in the Indian constitutional process.

The first Council of Ministers of Independent India was as follows. 

Withdrawal of Congress party support from United Front government:

Following are the key details related to the withdrawal of Congress party support from the United Front government in 1997:

- Congress party's decision: In 1997, the Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, withdrew its support from the United Front government. This move ultimately led to the fall of the government.

- Reasons for withdrawal: The Congress party cited various reasons for its decision to withdraw support. These reasons included disagreements over policy issues, lack of implementation of agreed-upon agendas, and concerns about the stability of the government.

- Impact on the United Front government: The withdrawal of support from the Congress party significantly weakened the United Front government. With the loss of a key ally, the government faced challenges in maintaining its majority in the Parliament.

- Subsequent events: Following the withdrawal of support, the United Front government was unable to survive a vote of confidence in the Parliament. As a result, the government collapsed, leading to political instability and the need for fresh elections.

- Significance: The withdrawal of support by the Congress party in 1997 had far-reaching implications for the political landscape of India. It highlighted the challenges of coalition governments and the importance of maintaining alliances to ensure the stability of the government.

In conclusion, the Congress party's decision to withdraw its support from the United Front government in 1997 was a significant development in Indian politics, leading to the fall of the government and subsequent political realignments.

The correct answer is option 'A' - Muslim League.
Muslim League launched the civil disobedience movement to overthrow the coalition government in Punjab. The party aimed to protest against the government's policies and actions that were seen as oppressive towards the Muslim community. Below are the key points explaining the role of the Muslim League in launching the civil disobedience movement:
- Background: The Muslim League, under the leadership of prominent figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was a political party that aimed to protect the rights and interests of Muslims in British India.
- Civil Disobedience Movement: The civil disobedience movement was a form of nonviolent protest adopted by the Muslim League to challenge the authority of the coalition government in Punjab. It involved acts of non-cooperation and defiance against unjust laws and policies.
- Goals: The primary goal of the civil disobedience movement was to overthrow the coalition government in Punjab, which was seen as working against the interests of the Muslim community. The Muslim League sought to establish a government that would better represent and serve the Muslim population.
- Impact: The civil disobedience movement led by the Muslim League garnered support from various segments of society, including students, workers, and professionals. It helped to mobilize the Muslim community and raise awareness about the issues they were facing under the coalition government.
- Outcome: The civil disobedience movement organized by the Muslim League played a significant role in highlighting the grievances of the Muslim population in Punjab and putting pressure on the government to address these issues. It ultimately contributed to the political mobilization of Muslims in British India and paved the way for the demand for a separate Muslim state, which led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
In conclusion, the Muslim League's decision to launch the civil disobedience movement in Punjab was a crucial step in the party's efforts to challenge the existing power structures and advocate for the rights of the Muslim community in British India.

To make the content visually appealing, we will use HTML bullet points and headers in the response:

Primary Focus of Operation Forward:

Operation Forward, launched in 1982, primarily focused on economic liberalization.

Explanation:
- The main aim of Operation Forward was to bring about economic reforms and liberalization in the country.
- The operation aimed at reducing government intervention in the economy, promoting free market principles, and encouraging private sector participation.
- It included measures such as deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and opening up the economy to foreign investment.
- The government aimed to boost economic growth, increase efficiency, and attract foreign capital through these reforms.
- Overall, Operation Forward was a significant step towards transforming the Indian economy and paving the way for greater economic development.

Background:
The Tashkent Declaration was a peace agreement signed between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

True Statements:
- B) It was signed under the mediation of Soviet President Alexei Kosygin: The Tashkent Declaration was signed on January 10, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, under the mediation of Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.
- C) It led to immediate friendly relations between India and Pakistan: While the Tashkent Declaration did help in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan, it did not lead to immediate friendly relations between the two countries.

False Statement:
- A) It included a no-war pact between India and Pakistan: The Tashkent Declaration did not include a no-war pact between India and Pakistan. It mainly focused on the withdrawal of troops to pre-war positions and the restoration of diplomatic relations.

Additional Information:
- D) Lal Bahadur Shastri died before the declaration was signed: Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Prime Minister of India at the time, passed away in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, the day after the declaration was signed.

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 'D', which means that all the given options are correct. Let's understand why.

1. Freedom of expression:
- The Constitution of India guarantees the fundamental right of freedom of expression to all its citizens.
- Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution states that all citizens have the right to freedom of speech and expression.
- This right allows citizens to express their opinions, ideas, and thoughts freely without fear of censorship or punishment.
- It is a crucial element of a democratic society as it enables citizens to participate in public discourse, criticize the government, and contribute to the development of the nation.

2. Right to inviolability of one's home:
- The Constitution of India recognizes the right to privacy and the inviolability of one's home.
- Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to protection of life and personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy.
- This right ensures that individuals have control over their personal space and can live without unwarranted intrusion from the state or any other entity.
- It protects citizens from arbitrary searches, seizures, and surveillance, and establishes the importance of privacy as a fundamental human right.

3. Equality before the law:
- The Constitution of India ensures equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on various grounds.
- Article 14 of the Constitution states that the state shall not deny any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws.
- This principle ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or any other status, are treated equally by the law.
- It guarantees equal opportunities and protection to all citizens and promotes social justice and inclusivity.

In conclusion:
All the given options in the question - freedom of expression, right to inviolability of one's home, and equality before the law - are fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. These rights are essential for the functioning of a democratic society and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and have the freedom to express themselves, protect their privacy, and receive equal treatment under the law. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - all of them.

Explanation:

Statement 1: The Jain Commission report was indeed related to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. The commission was set up to investigate the conspiracy behind the assassination and to identify those responsible for the tragic event.

Statement 2: The findings of the Jain Commission report did lead to the withdrawal of Congress support from I.K. Gujral's government. The Congress party decided to withdraw its support as the report implicated the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which was a part of the ruling coalition led by Gujral.
Therefore, both statements are true as the Jain Commission report was linked to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, and its findings resulted in the Congress party withdrawing its support from I.K. Gujral's government.

The correct answer is option 'D', neither of them.

Explanation:
1. In the house of the people, 50% of the seats were reserved for the candidates belonging to the scheduled castes: This statement is incorrect. In the first general elections held in India in 1951-52, there were no reserved seats for candidates belonging to the scheduled castes. The reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes was introduced later through constitutional amendments.

2. Around 20% of the seats were reserved for the candidates belonging to the scheduled tribes: This statement is also incorrect. In the first general elections, there were no reserved seats for candidates belonging to the scheduled tribes. The reservation of seats for scheduled tribes was introduced later through constitutional amendments.

Reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes:
The reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes was introduced to ensure representation and political empowerment of these marginalized communities. The Constitution of India, through various amendments, provided for the reservation of seats in both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the State Legislative Assemblies.

Reservation in the Lok Sabha:
Currently, the reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the Lok Sabha is based on their proportion to the total population. As per the Constitution, 84 seats (out of 543) are reserved for scheduled castes and 47 seats (out of 543) are reserved for scheduled tribes. These reserved seats are distributed among different states and union territories based on their population.

Reservation in the State Legislative Assemblies:
Similar to the reservation in the Lok Sabha, the Constitution also provides for the reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the State Legislative Assemblies. The number of reserved seats varies from state to state based on the proportion of the population of these communities.

Conclusion:
In summary, neither of the statements given in the question is correct. The reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies was introduced through constitutional amendments after the first general elections.

The correct answer is option 'D', neither of them. Let's analyze each statement separately.

Statement 1: The Congress took up the demand for a constituent assembly as a part of its official policy in 1934 after accepting the Simon Commission's recommendations.

The Simon Commission was a British Commission formed in 1927 to discuss constitutional reforms in India. However, the Indian National Congress did not fully accept the recommendations of the Simon Commission. The Congress rejected the idea of separate electorates and demanded a dominion status for India. Therefore, it did not take up the demand for a constituent assembly as a part of its official policy in 1934. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2: At the Bombay session of the Congress in 1936, it was declared that "no constitution imposed by an outside authority and no constitution which curtails the sovereignty of the people" would be acceptable to the Congress.

The Bombay session of the Congress in 1936 did pass a resolution declaring that "no constitution imposed by an outside authority and no constitution which curtails the sovereignty of the people" would be acceptable to the Congress. This resolution reflected the Congress's demand for complete independence and the right to draft its own constitution without any interference from the British government. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

In conclusion, only statement 2 is correct while statement 1 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D', neither of them.

The correct answer is option 'D', neither of them. Both statements are correct.

1. Two boundary commissions, one in respect of each province, were constituted to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces:
- The Mountbatten Plan, also known as the Indian Independence Act, was implemented on August 15, 1947, and it resulted in the partition of India and the creation of two separate nations: India and Pakistan.
- As part of the plan, two boundary commissions were constituted, one for Punjab and one for Bengal, to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces.
- The Radcliffe Commission was appointed to demarcate the boundary between India and Pakistan. Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer, was the chairman of the commission.
- The boundary commission's task was to divide the provinces of Punjab and Bengal along religious lines, taking into consideration the demographic distribution of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
- The Radcliffe Line, drawn by the commission, divided the Punjab and Bengal regions into two parts, with one part going to India and the other to Pakistan.

2. The referendum in NWFP decided in favor of Pakistan, the provincial Congress refrained from the referendum:
- NWFP (North-West Frontier Province) was a province in British India, which is now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan.
- In NWFP, a referendum was conducted in 1947 to determine whether the province should join India or Pakistan.
- The referendum was held to take into account the preferences of the people of NWFP, who were primarily Pathans or Pashtuns.
- The majority of the people in NWFP voted in favor of joining Pakistan in the referendum.
- The provincial Congress, which was predominantly Hindu and Sikh, refrained from participating in the referendum due to political and communal tensions.
- As a result, NWFP became part of Pakistan after the partition.

Therefore, both statements are correct. The Mountbatten Plan did involve the constitution of boundary commissions to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces, and the referendum in NWFP did result in the province joining Pakistan, with the provincial Congress abstaining from the referendum.

Explanation:

Assertion (A):
- The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was indeed introduced in 2006.
- The main objective of NREGA is to provide guaranteed employment to rural households, thereby addressing rural poverty.

Reason (R):
- The assertion is correct in stating that one of the key provisions of NREGA is reserving one-third of the work for women.
- This provision was included to promote gender equality and empower women in rural areas by ensuring their participation in the workforce.

Explanation:
- Both the assertion (A) and reason (R) are true.
- The reason (R) correctly explains the objective behind the provision of reserving one-third of the work for women under NREGA.
- Therefore, option 'A' is the correct answer, as both statements are true and the reason provides the correct explanation for the assertion.

Introduction

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced by the Modi government in India with the aim of simplifying the existing tax structure and creating a unified tax system. The main purpose of implementing GST was to replace multiple central and state taxes with a single tax, bringing about a more efficient and transparent taxation system.

Explanation

1. Simplification of tax structure: One of the key objectives of introducing GST was to simplify the complex tax structure in India. Before the implementation of GST, there were multiple taxes levied by both the central and state governments, such as excise duty, service tax, value-added tax (VAT), etc. These taxes had different rates, exemptions, and procedures, leading to confusion and inefficiency. GST aimed to streamline this system by replacing all these taxes with a single tax, making compliance easier for businesses and taxpayers.

2. Creation of a unified market: Another important purpose of implementing GST was to create a unified market across the country. The previous tax structure resulted in fragmented markets due to barriers created by state borders. Different tax rates and procedures in each state made interstate trade cumbersome and increased the cost of doing business. GST aimed to eliminate these barriers by providing a uniform tax rate across the country and simplifying the compliance process. This resulted in the creation of a common market, promoting ease of doing business and fostering economic growth.

3. Transparency and accountability: GST brought about greater transparency and accountability in the tax system. The single tax rate and simplified procedures made it easier for businesses and taxpayers to understand and comply with the tax laws. The introduction of an online portal for registration, filing returns, and making payments made the entire process more transparent. This helped in reducing tax evasion and increasing tax compliance, leading to a broader tax base and improved revenue collection for the government.

4. Boost to the economy: By replacing multiple taxes with a single tax, GST eliminated the cascading effect of taxes, also known as the "tax on tax" system. This led to a reduction in the overall tax burden on businesses, making them more competitive. Lower tax costs and the ease of doing business resulting from GST implementation attracted investments and stimulated economic growth. GST also facilitated the free flow of goods and services across state borders, reducing logistics costs and improving overall efficiency in the supply chain.

Conclusion

The main purpose of introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by the Modi government was to replace multiple central and state taxes with a single tax, simplifying the tax structure and creating a unified market. GST aimed to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the tax system, boost the economy, and promote ease of doing business in India.

Understanding the Boundary Commission
The Boundary Commission was a pivotal moment during the partition of India in 1947, tasked with demarcating the borders between India and Pakistan. Let's analyze the statements regarding the Commission.
Statement 1: The British government appointed the Boundary Commission under the chairmanship of Sir Radcliffe.
- This statement is correct.
- Sir Cyril Radcliffe was indeed appointed by the British government to chair the Boundary Commission.
- His role was critical in determining the borders based on religious demographics, land use, and other factors.
Statement 2: The Boundary Commission consisted of two Muslims and two non-Muslim judges in each case.
- This statement is correct.
- The Commission included members from various communities to ensure representation.
- However, the actual composition was predominantly British judges, with Radcliffe himself being the sole British member overseeing the entire process.
Conclusion
- Since both statements are accurate, the correct answer to the question is option 'D': Neither of them is incorrect.
- The Boundary Commission's decisions had lasting impacts on the subcontinent, leading to significant demographic and political changes.
In summary, both statements about the Boundary Commission are correct, confirming that option 'D' is the right choice.

1. Introduction of the National Demand by Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of India during the freedom struggle. After the Non-Cooperation Movement, which was led by Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru introduced a resolution in the Central Legislative Assembly known as the National Demand.

2. Passage of the National Demand in the Assembly
The National Demand resolution aimed to address the concerns and interests of minority communities in India. It sought to ensure that the rights of these communities were duly respected and protected. It is mentioned that a large majority in the Assembly passed this resolution. This signifies the support and consensus among the members of the assembly regarding the need to address minority rights and interests.

3. Exposition of the demand for a constitution and its adoption procedure
The third statement states that for the first time, a demand for a constitution and the procedure for its adoption were expounded in clear terms. This indicates that the National Demand resolution not only focused on minority rights but also introduced the idea of a constitution and outlined the process by which it should be adopted. This was a significant step towards establishing a democratic framework for the future governance of India.

Explanation of the correct answer: Option B
The correct answer is option B because statements 2 and 3 are correct. The National Demand resolution was indeed passed by a majority in the Central Legislative Assembly, indicating its acceptance among the members. Additionally, the resolution introduced the concept of a constitution and laid out the procedure for its adoption, marking a crucial development in India's political landscape. However, statement 1 is incorrect. The National Demand resolution was not introduced by Nehru but by Vallabhbhai Patel, another prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.

Explanation:

Environmental Protection Act (EPA) was introduced in 1986, and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 played a significant role in highlighting the need for environmental protection. Here's a detailed explanation:

Background:
- The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters, occurred in December 1984 at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India.
- The tragedy resulted in the release of toxic gases, leading to the deaths of thousands of people and causing long-term health problems for many others.
- The incident raised awareness about the importance of environmental protection and the need for stringent regulations to prevent similar disasters.

Introduction of EPA:
- In response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and growing concerns about environmental pollution, the Government of India introduced the Environment Protection Act (EPA) in 1986.
- The EPA aimed to provide a framework for the protection and improvement of the environment, including the prevention and control of environmental pollution.
- The Act established regulatory authorities and mechanisms to enforce environmental standards and address issues related to the protection of the environment.

Connection between A and R:
- The assertion (A) that the EPA was introduced in 1986 is true.
- The reasoning (R) that the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 highlighted the need for environmental protection is also true.
- Therefore, both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- The tragic incident in Bhopal underscored the urgent need for robust environmental legislation like the EPA to safeguard public health and the environment from industrial pollution and hazardous activities.

In conclusion, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy served as a catalyst for the introduction of the Environment Protection Act in 1986, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and regulatory measures to prevent such disasters in the future.

Ans a ia correct

Explanation:
Indira Gandhi's cautious approach towards economic liberalization during her second term can be attributed to her fear that multinational companies could undermine India's self-reliance. Let's break down the assertion and reason provided:

Indira Gandhi's Caution:
- Indira Gandhi, during her second term as Prime Minister of India, was indeed cautious about economic liberalization.
- She believed that a sudden opening up of the economy to multinational companies could have negative consequences for India's self-reliance.

Fear of Multinational Companies:
- Indira Gandhi's fear of multinational companies undermining India's self-reliance was a valid concern.
- She was wary of the potential influence and control that foreign companies could exert over India's economy, resources, and decision-making processes.

Correct Explanation:
- In this context, it is evident that the reason provided (fear of multinational companies undermining India's self-reliance) is the correct explanation for Indira Gandhi's cautious approach towards economic liberalization during her second term.
- Her concerns about maintaining India's independence, sovereignty, and self-reliance in the face of globalization and foreign influence shaped her policy decisions.
Therefore, option 'A' is the correct choice: Both the assertion (A) and reason (R) are true, and the reason (R) is the correct explanation of the assertion (A).