AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Static GK – Polity Class 1

Here is an article that covers important points about the Governor-Generals and Viceroys of India, sessions of the Indian National Congress (INC), and key points about the Presidents and Constitution of India.

AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Static GK – Polity Class 1

Governor-Generals and Viceroys of India

1. Warren Hastings (1773–1785)
   • First Governor-General of Bengal.
   • Reformed the revenue system and founded the Supreme Court in 1774 in Calcutta.
2. Lord Cornwallis (1786–1793)
   • Known for the Cornwallis Code and the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
   • Established civil services and judicial reforms in India.
3. Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)
   • Known for the Subsidiary Alliance policy.
   • Played a major role in expanding British control over princely states.
4. Lord William Bentinck (1828–1835)
   • Known for social reforms, including the abolition of Sati.
   • Promoted Western education and declared English as the medium of instruction.
5. Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856)
   • Known for the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex territories.
   • Introduced the railway system, telegraph, and postal services in India.
6. Lord Canning (1856–1862)
   • Governor-General during the Revolt of 1857.
   • Became the first Viceroy of India after the Government of India Act 1858.
7. Lord Curzon (1899–1905)
   • Known for the Partition of Bengal in 1905, which led to widespread protests.
   • Established the Archaeological Survey of India to protect cultural heritage.
8. Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948)
   • Last Viceroy of India and oversaw India’s independence.
   • Played a role in the partition of India and Pakistan.

Important Sessions of the Indian National Congress (INC)

1. Bombay Session, 1885
   • The first session of the INC, presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.
   • Marked the beginning of the organized freedom struggle in India.
2. Surat Session, 1907
   • Led to a split between the Moderates and the Extremists within the INC.
   • Extremists were led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Moderates by Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
3. Lahore Session, 1929
   • Presided by Jawaharlal Nehru, where the resolution for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) was passed.
   • 26th January 1930 was declared as Independence Day.
4. Lucknow Session, 1916
   • Marked the Lucknow Pact between the INC and the Muslim League.
   • Unified moderates and extremists and strengthened Hindu-Muslim unity.
5. Tripuri Session, 1939
   • A critical session where Subhas Chandra Bose was re-elected as INC president.
   • Bose resigned due to differences with Gandhi, leading to the formation of the Forward Bloc.
6. Bombay Session, 1942
   • Known for the historic “Quit India” movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
   • Led to mass protests demanding an end to British rule.

Presidents of India

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950–1962)
   • The first President of India and the only President to serve two terms.
   • Played a key role in framing the Indian Constitution.
2. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1962–1967)
   • A philosopher and renowned educator.
   • His birthday, 5th September, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India.
3. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007)
   • Known as the “Missile Man of India” and a visionary scientist.
   • Focused on national development, education, and technology.
4. Pratibha Patil (2007–2012)
   • First woman President of India.
   • Focused on issues related to women’s empowerment and social welfare.
5. Droupadi Murmu (2022–Present)
   • The first tribal woman President of India.
   • Advocates for social equality, tribal rights, and environmental conservation.

Key Points about the Constitution of India

1. Constituent Assembly
   • Formed in 1946 and consisted of 299 members.
   • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
2. Adoption and Enforcement
   • Adopted on 26th November 1949, and came into effect on 26th January 1950.
   • Known as Republic Day, it marks India’s transition to a sovereign republic.
3. Preamble
   • The Preamble reflects the core values of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
   • Declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic Republic.
4. Fundamental Rights and Duties
   • Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35) safeguard citizens’ rights, such as equality, freedom, and the right to constitutional remedies.
   • Fundamental Duties, added by the 42nd Amendment, remind citizens of their responsibilities.
5. Directive Principles of State Policy
   • Enshrined in Part IV, these principles guide the government in making policies for social and economic welfare.
   • Not legally enforceable but essential for governance.
6. Amendments
   • The Constitution can be amended to address contemporary needs.
   • The 42nd Amendment, known as the “Mini Constitution,” brought extensive changes.
7. Schedules and Articles
   • The Constitution initially had 8 Schedules and 395 Articles; it now has 12 Schedules and 448 Articles.
   • Articles cover every aspect of governance, from the Union and states to fundamental rights and emergency provisions.
8. Emergency Provisions
   • Article 352 allows for a declaration of National Emergency in the event of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
   • Other types include President’s Rule (Article 356) and Financial Emergency (Article 360).