👉 “Prime Ministers of India: History, Tenure, Achievements & Key Facts” —
🇮🇳 Prime Ministers of India – Full Details Description
The Prime Minister of India is the executive head of the Government and the most powerful political position in the country.
He or she leads the Union Council of Ministers, represents India at the international level, and plays a crucial role in policy making, governance, and administration.
Since independence in 1947, India has witnessed 15 Prime Ministers, each contributing uniquely to the nation’s progress.
From Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of modern India to Narendra Modi’s digital transformation and global diplomacy, the journey of India’s Prime Ministers reflects the changing face of the nation itself.
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🏛️ 1. Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–1964)
Tenure: 17 years – Longest serving PM
Party: Indian National Congress
Key Contributions:
Architect of modern India and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Advocated for socialism, democracy, and scientific temper.
Famous Slogan: “Aaram Haram Hai”
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🕊️ 2. Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964–1966)
Party: Indian National Congress
Key Contributions:
Gave the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.
Led India during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
Promoted the Green Revolution to achieve food security.
Died in Tashkent after signing the Tashkent Agreement (1966).
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👑 3. Indira Gandhi (1966–1977, 1980–1984)
India’s first and only woman Prime Minister.
Key Contributions:
Led India to victory in the 1971 war, creating Bangladesh.
Nationalized banks and launched the 20-Point Programme.
Declared Emergency (1975–77) under Article 352.
Assassinated in 1984 by her bodyguards.
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👨🌾 4. Morarji Desai (1977–1979)
First non-Congress Prime Minister (Janata Party).
Key Contributions:
Restored democracy after the Emergency.
Promoted administrative reforms and anti-corruption policies.
Simplified tax structure and emphasized discipline in public life.
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🚜 5. Charan Singh (1979–1980)
Known as: “Champion of Indian Farmers”
Key Contributions:
Introduced several agrarian reforms.
Represented the interests of rural India.
His government fell before facing Parliament due to withdrawal of Congress support.
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🧭 6. Rajiv Gandhi (1984–1989)
Youngest PM (Age 40)
Key Contributions:
Modernized telecommunication and computer sectors.
Lowered voting age from 21 to 18.
Initiated Panchayati Raj constitutional reforms.
Assassinated in 1991 by LTTE in Sriperumbudur.
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📈 7. V.P. Singh (1989–1990)
Known for: Implementing the Mandal Commission Report (OBC Reservations).
His tenure saw social justice movements and political turbulence.
Resigned after withdrawal of Congress support.
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⚙️ 8. Chandra Shekhar (1990–1991)
Led a minority government supported by Congress.
Focused on economic management during crisis.
His government lasted only 7 months.
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💹 9. P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991–1996)
Known as: “Father of Indian Economic Reforms”
Key Contributions:
Along with Dr. Manmohan Singh, liberalized India’s economy.
Introduced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and privatization.
Managed the aftermath of Babri Masjid demolition.
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🏗️ 10. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998–2004)
First BJP Prime Minister
Key Achievements:
Conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998).
Initiated the Golden Quadrilateral Project.
Led India successfully during the Kargil War (1999).
Known for his poetic oratory and consensus politics.
Slogan: “Jai Vigyan” (Praise Science)
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🧑💼 11. H.D. Deve Gowda (1996–1997)
Party: Janata Dal
Promoted rural development and federal harmony.
Tenure lasted less than a year due to coalition instability.
🌏 12. I.K. Gujral (1997–1998)
Introduced: “Gujral Doctrine” for friendly relations with neighbors.
Focused on non-interference and cooperation in South Asia.
📊 13. Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004–2014)
First Sikh PM of India
Key Contributions:
Launched MNREGA, RTI Act, and Food Security Act.
Achieved record economic growth.
Signed India-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008).
Renowned for integrity and economic vision.
🌐 14. Narendra Modi (2014–Present)
Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Major Schemes & Achievements:
Digital India, Make in India, Startup India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir, 2019).
GST implementation, PM-Kisan, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat.
Handled COVID-19 pandemic, launched Vaccine Maitri.
Strengthened India’s global image through diplomacy and technology.
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🧾 Interesting Facts
Jawaharlal Nehru served the longest (17 years).
Atal Bihari Vajpayee had three non-consecutive terms.
Charan Singh and Vajpayee (1996) served the shortest terms.
Indira Gandhi remains the only woman to hold the office.
Narendra Modi is the longest continuously serving PM after Nehru (since 2014).
📚 Conclusion
The history of Indian Prime Ministers reflects the growth of India from a newly independent nation to a global power.
Each leader contributed their own vision — from Nehru’s socialism to Modi’s nationalism — shaping India’s economy, defense, and democracy.
Understanding their tenures helps us appreciate the political evolution and democratic strength of the world’s largest democracy.
🏛️ Prime Ministers of India – 50 MCQs with Answers and Full Descriptions
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1. Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
A) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
D) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: B) Jawaharlal Nehru
Description: Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister on 15 August 1947 and served until 27 May 1964.
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2. Who was India’s first woman Prime Minister?
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
D) Sucheta Kriplani
Answer: B) Indira Gandhi
Description: Indira Gandhi served as PM from 1966–1977 and 1980–1984, the only woman to hold the office so far.
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3. Who succeeded Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister of India?
A) Lal Bahadur Shastri
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Morarji Desai
D) Gulzarilal Nanda
Answer: A) Lal Bahadur Shastri
Description: After Nehru’s death in 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri became PM and led India during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
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4. Which Prime Minister gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
Description: He coined this slogan to honor soldiers and farmers during the 1965 war and food shortage.
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5. Who was the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India?
A) Morarji Desai
B) Charan Singh
C) V.P. Singh
D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Answer: A) Morarji Desai
Description: Morarji Desai led the Janata Party government (1977–1979) after the Emergency.
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6. Which Prime Minister introduced the “Green Revolution”?
A) Lal Bahadur Shastri
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) Morarji Desai
Answer: B) Indira Gandhi
Description: The Green Revolution in the 1960s–70s made India self-sufficient in food grains.
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7. Who was Prime Minister during the 1971 India-Pakistan War?
A) Lal Bahadur Shastri
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) Morarji Desai
Answer: B) Indira Gandhi
Description: The war led to the creation of Bangladesh.
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8. Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister after whose death?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Sanjay Gandhi
C) Morarji Desai
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: A) Indira Gandhi
Description: He became PM in 1984 after Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
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9. Which Prime Minister was known as “Mr. Clean”?
A) Rajiv Gandhi
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: A) Rajiv Gandhi
Description: Rajiv Gandhi earned this image due to his modern, technology-friendly leadership.
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10. Which Prime Minister implemented the Mandal Commission Report?
A) V.P. Singh
B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) Morarji Desai
Answer: A) V.P. Singh
Description: He announced OBC reservations in 1990, causing nationwide protests.
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11. Who was Prime Minister during the 1991 economic liberalization?
A) V.P. Singh
B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) H.D. Deve Gowda
Answer: B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Description: He, along with Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, launched India’s economic reforms.
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12. Who became PM after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991?
A) P.V. Narasimha Rao
B) Chandra Shekhar
C) H.D. Deve Gowda
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: A) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Description: He served as PM from 1991–1996 leading economic transformation.
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13. Which PM was known as the “Father of Indian Economic Reforms”?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) Indira Gandhi
Answer: B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Description: His policies opened India’s economy to globalization.
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14. Who was the first BJP Prime Minister of India?
A) L.K. Advani
B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
C) Narendra Modi
D) Murli Manohar Joshi
Answer: B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Description: Vajpayee served three times (1996, 1998–1999, and 1999–2004).
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15. During whose tenure did India conduct the Pokhran-II nuclear tests?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
C) Manmohan Singh
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Description: Conducted in May 1998, confirming India as a nuclear power.
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16. Who was PM when Kargil War took place?
A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Indira Gandhi
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Description: The Kargil War (1999) was fought between India and Pakistan in Jammu & Kashmir.
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17. Who was PM after Vajpayee in 2004?
A) Sonia Gandhi
B) Manmohan Singh
C) L.K. Advani
D) Pranab Mukherjee
Answer: B) Manmohan Singh
Description: He served two terms (2004–2014) representing the Congress-led UPA government.
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18. Who is India’s first Sikh Prime Minister?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) Arjun Singh
C) Giani Zail Singh
D) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: A) Manmohan Singh
Description: He was India’s 13th Prime Minister and led major economic growth.
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19. When did Narendra Modi first become Prime Minister?
A) 2012
B) 2013
C) 2014
D) 2015
Answer: C) 2014
Description: Narendra Modi took oath as PM on 26 May 2014, after BJP’s decisive win.
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20. Which Prime Minister launched “Digital India” campaign?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: Launched in 2015 to promote technology-driven governance.
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21. Which PM introduced GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B) Narendra Modi
C) Manmohan Singh
D) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: GST came into effect on 1 July 2017, simplifying India’s tax structure.
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22. Who served the shortest term as Prime Minister of India?
A) Charan Singh
B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996)
C) I.K. Gujral
D) Chandra Shekhar
Answer: B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996)
Description: Served just 13 days from 16–28 May 1996.
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23. Who was PM during the “Emergency” (1975–1977)?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
C) Morarji Desai
D) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: A) Indira Gandhi
Description: Emergency was declared on 25 June 1975 under Article 352.
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24. Which PM implemented “Make in India”?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: Launched in 2014 to boost manufacturing and attract foreign investment.
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25. Which PM started the “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana”?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: Launched in 2014 for financial inclusion of all households.
🏛️ Prime Ministers of India – Part 2 (Questions 26–50)
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26. Who was India’s Prime Minister immediately before Indira Gandhi’s second term in 1980?
A) Morarji Desai
B) Charan Singh
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: B) Charan Singh
Description: Charan Singh served as PM from July 1979 to January 1980. His government lasted just 170 days.
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27. Who was known as the “Champion of Farmers” among the Prime Ministers?
A) Lal Bahadur Shastri
B) Charan Singh
C) Morarji Desai
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: B) Charan Singh
Description: Charan Singh focused on agriculture reforms and farmers’ welfare, earning him this title.
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28. Who served as PM between Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi’s return in 1980?
A) Charan Singh
B) V.P. Singh
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) I.K. Gujral
Answer: A) Charan Singh
Description: His short tenure followed Morarji Desai’s resignation in 1979.
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29. Who was the first Prime Minister born after India’s independence?
A) Rajiv Gandhi
B) Narendra Modi
C) Manmohan Singh
D) None of these
Answer: D) None of these
Description: As of now, no Prime Minister of India was born after 1947.
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30. Who was PM when India signed the “Shimla Agreement” with Pakistan?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) Morarji Desai
Answer: A) Indira Gandhi
Description: The Shimla Agreement was signed in 1972 after the 1971 war with Pakistan.
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31. Which Prime Minister introduced the “Twenty-Point Programme”?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: A) Indira Gandhi
Description: Introduced during the Emergency (1975–77) to reduce poverty and control inflation.
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32. Which PM was known for promoting the use of computers and technology?
A) P.V. Narasimha Rao
B) Rajiv Gandhi
C) Manmohan Singh
D) Indira Gandhi
Answer: B) Rajiv Gandhi
Description: Called the “Architect of Digital India”, he modernized telecom and IT sectors.
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33. Who was India’s youngest Prime Minister?
A) Rajiv Gandhi
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Narendra Modi
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: A) Rajiv Gandhi
Description: Became PM at 40 years old in 1984.
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34. Which Prime Minister held the position of Finance Minister before becoming PM?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
C) Morarji Desai
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Description: Each of them served as Finance Minister before leading the government.
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35. Which PM’s government fell due to withdrawal of Congress support in 1990?
A) V.P. Singh
B) Chandra Shekhar
C) I.K. Gujral
D) H.D. Deve Gowda
Answer: A) V.P. Singh
Description: Congress withdrew support over the Mandal Commission and Ayodhya issues.
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36. Who became PM after V.P. Singh resigned in 1990?
A) Chandra Shekhar
B) Rajiv Gandhi
C) P.V. Narasimha Rao
D) I.K. Gujral
Answer: A) Chandra Shekhar
Description: Chandra Shekhar led a minority government with Congress support (1990–1991).
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37. Who was PM when Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992?
A) Rajiv Gandhi
B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
C) V.P. Singh
D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Answer: B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Description: The demolition occurred on 6 December 1992 during his tenure.
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38. Who became PM after the 1996 general elections resulted in a hung parliament?
A) H.D. Deve Gowda
B) I.K. Gujral
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Description: He was sworn in first but resigned after 13 days as he lacked majority.
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39. After Vajpayee’s 13-day government, who became Prime Minister?
A) H.D. Deve Gowda
B) I.K. Gujral
C) V.P. Singh
D) Chandra Shekhar
Answer: A) H.D. Deve Gowda
Description: Deve Gowda served from June 1996 to April 1997 leading the United Front coalition.
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40. Who succeeded H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister?
A) I.K. Gujral
B) P.V. Narasimha Rao
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) Manmohan Singh
Answer: A) I.K. Gujral
Description: Served as PM from April 1997 to March 1998.
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41. Who was Prime Minister during the “Golden Quadrilateral” project?
A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) Narendra Modi
Answer: A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Description: This major highway project connected India’s metro cities for better transport.
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42. Under which PM did India join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver in 2008?
A) P.V. Narasimha Rao
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) Narendra Modi
Answer: B) Manmohan Singh
Description: India secured a waiver allowing nuclear trade despite not signing NPT.
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43. Which Prime Minister was a professional economist?
A) P.V. Narasimha Rao
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) V.P. Singh
Answer: B) Manmohan Singh
Description: He was a former RBI Governor, Finance Minister, and World Bank economist.
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44. Who launched “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”?
A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B) Narendra Modi
C) Manmohan Singh
D) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: Started on 2 October 2014 in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness.
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45. Which PM launched the “Startup India” initiative?
A) Manmohan Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: Launched in 2016 to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
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46. Who led India during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021)?
A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B) Narendra Modi
C) Manmohan Singh
D) None of these
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: Modi’s government implemented nationwide lockdowns and vaccine drives.
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47. Who is the longest-serving Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru?
A) Indira Gandhi
B) Narendra Modi
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) Manmohan Singh
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: As of 2025, he has served over 11 years continuously since 2014.
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48. Which PM started the “PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi” scheme?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Rajiv Gandhi
D) Charan Singh
Answer: A) Narendra Modi
Description: Launched in 2019 to provide income support of ₹6,000 annually to small farmers.
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49. Who was Prime Minister when Article 370 was abrogated in Jammu & Kashmir?
A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B) Narendra Modi
C) Manmohan Singh
D) Lal Bahadur Shastri
Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Description: On 5 August 2019, Article 370 was revoked, ending J&K’s special status.
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50. Who is the current Prime Minister of India (as of 2025)?
A) Rahul Gandhi
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Narendra Modi
D) Amit Shah
Answer: C) Narendra Modi
Description: Serving his third consecutive term, Narendra Modi continues as India’s 14th Prime Minister.
✅ Summary:
Total Prime Ministers (as of 2025): 15
First PM: Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–1964)
Current PM: Narendra Modi (2014–present)
Longest serving: Jawaharlal Nehru (17 years)
Only woman PM: Indira Gandhi
First BJP PM: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
First Sikh PM: Manmohan Singh
