OPSC OAS 2023 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 6
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2023 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Direct Action Day refers to
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (A) The day ear-marked by the Muslim League for taking direct action to assert their political demand for a separate homeland for Muslims
Direct Action Day was called by the All India Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 16 August 1946.
Background
- The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) proposed a united India with a federal structure
- Muslim League initially accepted but later withdrew acceptance when Congress rejected certain provisions
- Jinnah declared 16 August 1946 as Direct Action Day to press the demand for Pakistan
- Famous statement by Jinnah: "We will have India divided or India destroyed"
Why other options are wrong
- (B) Indian nationalists used Quit India Movement (1942), not Direct Action Day
- (C) Scheduled Castes Federation protests were separate events led by Dr. Ambedkar
