Contemporary Events: India: UPSC Previous Year Questions (General Knowledge)

Explanation

In the fiscal year 2000-01, India’s GDP at factor cost (constant prices) was approximately 11,93,922 crore. The sectoral contributions were Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (24.7%), Trade, Hotels, Transport, and Communication (18.9%), Manufacturing (15.7%), and Financing, Insurance, Real Estate, and Business Services (13.1%), reflecting the dominance of agriculture and services in the economy during that period.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is False: India’s exports during 2001-02 experienced a marginal growth rather than a decline. Specifically, during the period of April-November 2001-02, exports recorded a meager growth of 0.64%, amounting to $32.57 billion, compared to $32.36 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Reason (R) is true: The global economic slowdown, particularly the recession in the United States, adversely affected India’s export sectors, including textiles and other commodities. For Example:

In the period April-September 2001-02, textile exports were valued at $534.64 million, down from $623.71 million in the same period the previous year.

Explanation

During 2000-01, India’s major imports included petroleum products, pearls and precious stones, edible oils, chemicals, and fertilizers. Pearls and precious stones were the largest import category, valued at 25,000-30,000 crore ($6.5 billion), followed by chemicals (9,000-10,000 crore) and edible oils (9,000 crore/$2 billion). Fertilizer imports were lower, at less than 7,000 crore.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per RBI guidelines, Indian promoters were allowed to hold up to 40% in private sector banks, not 49%. This limit was subject to gradual dilution over time as per RBI regulations.

Statement 2 is correct: In 2001, the Government of India allowed FDI up to 49% in private sector banks under the automatic route. However, the total foreign investment limit, including FDI, FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors), and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), was capped at 74%.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The book "New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy" was authored by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who served as India’s Prime Minister, delivered a series of speeches and statements outlining India’s foreign policy direction. The book compiles these speeches, providing insights into India’s diplomatic strategy, international relations, and global positioning during his tenure. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Jaswant Singh: A prominent Indian politician and diplomat, Jaswant Singh authored "Jinnah: India-Partition-Independence". P.C. Alexander: An Indian civil servant and politician, P.C. Alexander wrote "Through the Corridors of Power: An Insider’s Story". Yashwant Sinha: Former Finance Minister, Yashwant Sinha authored "India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy".

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Yash Chopra, the legendary filmmaker, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001. He was known for directing and producing some of Bollywood’s most romantic and dramatic films, such as Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and Veer-Zaara (2004). Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect Lata Mangeshkar - She received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989. Ramanand Sagar - Not a recipient of this award. Dev Anand -He was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002.

Explanation

In 2002, N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, was honored with the National Award for Excellence in Public Administration and Management Science by the President of India. This award recognized his significant contributions to the Indian IT industry, corporate governance, and ethical business practices.

Explanation

Sandeep Pandey, a social activist and co-founder of Asha for Education, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2002 for his work in education and livelihood projects for Dalits and marginalized communities.

Explanation

C.P. Jain (NTPC) - Former Chairman of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), played a key role in India’s power sector development. S. Ramadorai (TCS) - Served as CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), instrumental in making it a global IT powerhouse. Sunil Arora (Indian Airlines) - Held key leadership roles in Indian Airlines, contributing to its management and operations. Vivek Paul (Wipro Technologies) - Former Vice Chairman of Wipro Technologies, significantly expanded its global IT services.

Explanation

In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed the "Delhi Declaration" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening India-Russia strategic partnership and cooperation in defense, trade, and global security.