1. The Ghaggar River, known as the “river of sorrow” due to frequent floods, is located in which region of Punjab?
[A] Doaba
[B] Majha
[C] Malwa
[D] Puadh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Malwa]
Notes:
The Ghaggar River, known as the “River of Sorrow” due to frequent floods, is located in the Malwa region of Punjab, particularly affecting districts like Patiala, Sangrur, and Mansa. The river is seasonal and originates in the Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh, flowing into Punjab near Dera Bassi, where its sudden surges during the monsoon can cause significant damage. Its unpredictable flooding, worsened by embankment issues and encroachments, has triggered disasters in 1988, 1993, 2008, 2019, and 2023.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Doctrine of Prospective Overruling:
- It was introduced in India in the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) case.
- The doctrine implies that a judicial decision will apply only to future cases, not past actions.
- It aims to prevent the invalidation of transactions and actions completed under laws held valid at the time.
- The doctrine was borrowed from American jurisprudence for use in Indian constitutional law.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[B] 1 and 2 only
[C] 1, 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
The doctrine of prospective overruling was introduced in India through Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967). It provides that judicial pronouncements will have effect only for the future, thus safeguarding transactions and actions finalized under previous laws. This approach, drawn from American jurisprudence, maintains legal certainty and prevents retrospective invalidation of rights, ensuring smooth governance and constitutional development.
3. Which Gandhian led peace missions in Punjab and Kashmir?
[A] Nirmala Deshpande
[B] Ela Bhatt
[C] Aruna Asaf Ali
[D] Mridula Sarabhai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nirmala Deshpande]
Notes:
Nirmala Deshpande (1929-2008) was a Gandhian social activist who promoted communal harmony and women’s rights, leading peace missions in Punjab and Kashmir. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2006 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
4. Consider the following:
- Upper Bari Doab Canal
- Upper Jhelum Canal
- Upper Chenab Canal
- Lower Bari Doab Canal
Which of the above canals were included in the Punjab Triple Canal Project?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1, 3 and 4
[C] Only 2, 3 and 4
[D] Only 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
The Punjab Triple Canal Project comprised the Upper Jhelum Canal, the Upper Chenab Canal, and the Lower Bari Doab Canal. The Upper Bari Doab Canal was not part of this scheme. Sanctioned in 1905 and functional by 1917, the project aimed to irrigate over 1.75 million acres in Punjab by interlinking the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi.
5. Who introduced free verse poetry to Punjabi literature?
[A] Puran Singh
[B] Amrita Pritam
[C] Bhai Vir Singh
[D] Shiv Kumar Batalvi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Puran Singh]
Notes:
Puran Singh (1881–1931) pioneered free verse in Punjabi literature, notably in works like ‘Khulle Maidan’. He departed from traditional metrical poetry, drawing inspiration from global literary movements. His innovations greatly influenced modern Punjabi poetry’s style and thematic depth. He was called “Tagore of Punjab”.
6. Which Punjab district had the highest per capita income in 2020-21?
[A] Roopnagar
[B] SAS Nagar
[C] Fatehgarh Sahib
[D] Ludhiana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Roopnagar]
Notes:
Roopnagar recorded the highest per capita income in Punjab for 2020-21 at Rs. 1,94,090, followed by SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Ludhiana. Roopnagar’s economy is mainly agrarian, constituting 30% of its GDVA from agriculture and allied activities. [Punjab Economic Survey 2023-24]
7. Where is Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for girls located in Punjab?
[A] Amritsar
[B] SAS Nagar (Mohali)
[C] Ludhiana
[D] Patiala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SAS Nagar (Mohali)]
Notes:
The Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for girls, the only institute of its kind in India, is located at SAS Nagar (Mohali) in Punjab, training girls at 10+2 level to join the armed forces as commissioned officers.
8. What is the budget allocation for Punjab Drug Census in 2025-26?
[A] Rs 100 crore
[B] Rs 150 crore
[C] Rs 200 crore
[D] Rs 250 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 150 crore]
Notes:
Union Budget 2025-26 allocated Rs 150 crore for a drug census in Punjab, aiming to collect data on drug prevalence statewide. This is a targeted initiative by the central government for Punjab, a state deeply affected by drug abuse.
9. When was Punjab Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar Mission started?
[A] 2015
[B] 2018
[C] 2019
[D] 2017
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2017]
Notes:
Punjab Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar Mission (PGRKAM) was launched in 2017 to provide employment opportunities and facilitate skill development for unemployed youth in Punjab.
10. In Punjab, agriculture employs what percentage of the labour force?
[A] About 25%
[B] About 50%
[C] About 40%
[D] About 60%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [About 25%]
Notes:
Agriculture sector provide employment to around one fourth labour force in the State. As per the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23, the agriculture sector of Punjab provides employment to 24.64% of workers, as per Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status (UPSS), against 45.76% at the national level. In rural areas, this sector is the main source of livelihood, employing 35.76% of the total rural workers. Proportion of male and female rural workforce employed in this sector was 32.90% and 44.05% respectively.
