Spectrum Test: The Rajiv Years (October 1984 – December 1989) - UPSC MCQ

The anti-Sikh riots did occur following Indira Gandhi's assassination, but the violence was not limited to Delhi; it spread to other parts of the country.

Both Assertion (A) and Reasoning (R) are true, and Reasoning (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred in 1984, raised awareness about the potential hazards and environmental consequences of industrial activities. In response to this tragedy and recognizing the need for comprehensive environmental protection measures, the Indian government introduced the Environment Protection Act (EPA) in 1986. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

The Anti-Defection Act was introduced to prevent elected members from switching parties, not to encourage it.

Both statements are true. The Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord was signed in July 1987 during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as the Prime Minister of India. Following the signing of the accord, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was indeed sent to Sri Lanka as part of the implementation of the agreement. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Both statements are true.

Both Assertion (A) and Reasoning (R) are true, and Reasoning (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). The Bofors Scandal, which came to light in the late 1980s, involved allegations of kickbacks and bribes in a defense deal between the Indian government and the Swedish company Bofors. The scandal had a significant impact on Rajiv Gandhi's image as a clean leader, and it became a major issue in Indian politics. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

GST was not introduced during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.

The 1989 elections led to a coalition government, with the Congress party failing to secure a majority.

Operation Black Thunder was a significant event in Punjab during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure, aimed at controlling militancy.

The visit was indeed the first since 1954, but it focused on improving bilateral relations and addressing border issues, not on nuclear disarmament.

The government faced criticism, but it was because it passed a bill overturning the Supreme Court's decision, not because it supported it.

Statement 1: Rajiv Gandhi introduced significant reforms in the telecommunication sector.

This statement is true. During Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister (1984-1989), he played a pivotal role in liberalizing and modernizing the telecommunication sector in India.

Statement 2: The Rajiv Gandhi government established the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

This statement is also true. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in 1985, during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister. The university aimed to provide education through open and distance learning methods.
Therefore, both statements are true, and there is a connection between the reforms in the telecommunication sector and the establishment of IGNOU during Rajiv Gandhi's government. The correct answer is A) Both statements are true.

Chronological order: 2 (Operation Blue Star), 3 (Anti-Sikh Riots), 4 (Bhopal Gas Tragedy), 1 (Introduction of Environment Protection Act)

Therefore, the correct answer is B) 2, 3, 4, 1.

Statement 1: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy led to a settlement of $470 million between Union Carbide and the Indian government.

This statement is true. In 1989, Union Carbide, the company responsible for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, reached a settlement with the Indian government for $470 million as compensation for the victims and environmental damage.
 

Statement 2: The tragedy was caused by a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas.

This statement is also true. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred in December 1984 when a chemical plant owned by Union Carbide leaked methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, resulting in the exposure of thousands of people to the toxic gas.
Both statements provide accurate information related to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Both statements are true.

While the IPKF was deployed to enforce the Accord, its intervention was controversial and did not result in long-term peace.

The National Green Tribunal was established later, not during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.

Statement 1: Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

This statement is true. Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election campaign in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

Statement 2: His assassination was carried out by a member of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).

This statement is also true. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was carried out by a female suicide bomber associated with the LTTE, a militant organization based in Sri Lanka.
Both statements accurately describe the circumstances and details of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) Both statements are true.

This sequence reflects the chronological order of these initiatives during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.