Previous Year Question
Consider the following events:
The first democratically elected Communist Party government formed in a State in India.
India’s then largest bank, the ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.
Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
Goa became a part of independent India.
Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
4-1-2-3
3-2-1-4
4-2-1-3
3-1-2-4
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Air India was nationalised first—in 1953. Parliament enacted the Air Corporations Act, 1953. It nationalised air transport services in India and established two statutory corporations—Indian Airlines and Air India International. Air India International operated as India’s international airline.
The Imperial Bank of India then became the State Bank of India—in 1955. Under the State Bank of India Act, 1955, the Reserve Bank of India acquired a controlling interest in the Imperial Bank of India. It was renamed the State Bank of India with effect from 1 July 1955. The Imperial Bank itself had been established in 1921 through the amalgamation of the three Presidency Banks.
The first democratically elected Communist government followed—in 1957. The Communist Party of India secured a majority in the 1957 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, and a government was formed under E.M.S. Namboodiripad. He assumed office as Chief Minister on 5 April 1957. It is recognised as the first democratically elected Communist government in an Indian State.
Goa became part of independent India last—in 1961. In December 1961, the Indian Armed Forces liberated Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese rule through Operation Vijay. Goa was liberated on 19 December 1961. Goa, Daman and Diu were subsequently constituted as a Union Territory. Goa attained full statehood on 30 May 1987.
Thus, the sequence is:
Nationalisation of Air India (1953) → State Bank of India (1955) → Communist government in Kerala (1957) → Integration of Goa (1961)