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

Explanation

A-3, Vishwapati Trivedi served as the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Airlines. B-4, Tulsi R. Tanti, founder and chairman of Suzlon Energy, played a key role in the wind energy sector. C-1, Shashi Ruia is a prominent figure in the Essar Group, a multinational conglomerate. D-2, D.S. Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge India, is known for establishing Naukri.com, a leading online job portal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 establishes a National Judicial Council (NJC) t o investigate allegations of incapacity or misconduct against High Court and Supreme Court judges. It can act on complaints from individuals, MPs (50 from Rajya Sabha or 100 from Lok Sabha), or other sources. If allegations are proven, the NJC may impose minor penalties or recommend removal, which requires parliamentary impeachment.

Statement 2 is correct: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 enables a woman to petition a First Class Judicial Magistrate for relief, including protection, maintenance, and other remedies.

Explanation

In 2006, Rajasthan’s Shahgarh area in Jaisalmer gained attention for the discovery of high-quality natural gas reserves. This find was a key step in India’s hydrocarbon exploration efforts in the Thar Desert, boosting domestic gas production and reducing dependence on imports. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect Uranium deposits - Major uranium reserves in India are found in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya. Zinc deposits - Rajasthan is known for zinc reserves, particularly in Rampura-Agucha mines (Bhilwara district) and Zawar mines (Udaipur district), but Shahgarh is not associated with zinc mining. Wind power units (d) - Rajasthan has many wind power projects, but Shahgarh’s 2006 news coverage was about gas reserves, not wind energy.

Explanation

V. P. Singh (1984-1987 under Rajiv Gandhi), R.

Venkataraman (1980-1982 under Indira Gandhi), Y. B. Chavan (1970-1974 under Indira Gandhi), and Pranab Mukherjee (1982-

1984 under Indira Gandhi, 2009-2012 under Manmohan Singh) have all served as Union Finance Ministers of India, playing crucial roles in shaping the nation’s economic policies.

Explanation

Nathu La Pass, located in Sikkim, was reopened on July 6, 2006, for trade between India and China after being closed for 44 years following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It connects India’s Sikkim state with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The reopening was part of efforts to improve bilateral relations and cross-border trade between the two countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: On October 28, 2006, ISRO conducted the first successful test of an indigenously developed cryogenic engine at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test lasted 50 seconds and was a crucial milestone in India’s space program.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The claim that India was the only country after the USA, Russia, and China to develop cryogenic technology is not true. By 2006, other countries like France and Japan had already developed and operationalized cryogenic rocket engine technology.

Explanation

Kiran Desai won the 2006 Man Booker Prize for her novel The Inheritance of Loss, making her the youngest female winner at that time.

Explanation

Operation Sukoon was launched by the Indian Navy in July 2006 to evacuate Indian nationals and other foreign nationals stranded in Lebanon during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in the Middle East. This was a large-scale humanitarian evacuation mission, also involving the Indian embassy and other government bodies. The operation showcased India’s capability to undertake swift and effective rescue missions in conflict zones abroad.

Explanation

In 2006, the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) won the CSIR Award for S&T Innovations for Rural Development for its impactful contributions to rural livelihoods. CLRI’s sustainable leather technologies enhanced skill development and supported small-scale entrepreneurs, promoting growth in the sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: China was granted observer status at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) during the 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka in 2005. This allowed China to participate in SAARC meetings and contribute as an observer without full membership.

Statement 2 is correct: India was granted observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2005. As of 2007, India actively participated in SCO meetings as an observer but was not yet a full member. India later became a full member in 2017.