Contemporary Events: India: UPSC Previous Year Questions (General Knowledge)
118 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Indian contemporary events are listed here, from 1996 to 2010. UPSC asked about committees and their subjects, government policies and schemes, scientific missions, evacuation operations and international agreements. Each explanation describes the event as it stood in the year of the question.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 71–80 of 118 questions
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UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q71. Among the following commodities imported by India during the year 2000-01, which one was the highest in terms of rupee value?
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.
Additional insight:
Economic Survey 2023-24, the import values in billion USD for the specified commodities are:
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q72. Consider the following statements: 1. The maximum limit of shareholding of Indian promoters in private sector banks in India is 49 percent of the paid up capital 2. Foreign Direct Investment up to 49 percent from all sources is permitted in private sector banks in India under the automatic route Which of these statements is/are correct?
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%.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q73. Who is the author of the book ‘New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy’?
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".
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q74. Who among the following was selected for the 2001 Dada Saheb Phalke Award?
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.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q75. In the year 2002, the President of India presented the national award for excellence in public administration and management science to:
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.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q76. Sandeep Pandey, the winner of Raman Magsaysay Award, is mainly an activist in:
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.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q77. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:
List-I (High Officials)
List-II (Organisation)
A. C.P. Jain
1. Indian Airlines
B. S. Ramadorai
2. NTPC
C. Sunil Arora
3. TCS
D. Vivek Paul
4. Wipro Technologies
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.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q78. In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed: ‘Delhi Declaration’ with the:
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.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q79. The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2002 was awarded to:
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2002 was awarded to Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for her efforts in humanitarian work and refugee protection worldwide.
Additional insight:
The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award presented by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust for contributions toward peace, disarmament, and development. It was established in 1986 and recognizes individuals or organizations that promote international cooperation and a more equitable world order. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was presented to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q80. Assertion (A): The new EXIM policy is liberal, market oriented and favours global trade. Reason (R): GATT has played a significant role in the liberalisation of the economy.
Explanation
The EXIM (Export-Import) Policy of India was revised to be more liberal and market-oriented to encourage global trade. This was influenced by international trade agreements and reforms under GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), which played a major role in the liberalization of economies worldwide by reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade. Thus, GATT’s influence explains the shift in India’s EXIM policy.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
71
2003
(d) Pearls, precious and semi-precious stones
72
2003
(b) 2 Only
73
2003
(a) A.B. Vajpayee
74
2003
(d) Yash Chopra
75
2003
(b) N.R. Narayana Murthy
76
2003
(d) education and livelihood projects for Dalits
77
2003
(c) A-2; B-3; C-1; D-4
78
2003
(b) President of Russia
79
2003
(d) Sadako Ogata
80
2003
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
What UPSC has tested in Contemporary Events: India
The Tarapore Committee was associated with fuller capital account convertibility.
The B. K. Chaturvedi Committee dealt with price reforms in the oil sector.
Operation Sukoon was launched to evacuate Indian nationals from Lebanon.
The Prime Minister of India is Chairman of the National Water Resources Council and President of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
The manuscripts of the Rig-Veda were included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Contemporary Events: India?
This page covers 118 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Contemporary Events: India (General Knowledge), asked from 1996 to 2010. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
What was Operation Sukoon?
An operation launched by the Government of India in 2006 to evacuate Indian nationals from Lebanon during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Navy and the Air India fleet helped to move thousands of people to safety.
What did the Tarapore Committee examine?
Fuller capital account convertibility of the rupee. The committee proposed a road map in 1997, recommending a phased move towards free movement of capital if certain conditions on inflation and fiscal deficit were met.
Who chairs the National Water Resources Council?
The Prime Minister of India. The Council, set up in 1983, has Chief Ministers and Union ministers as members and reviews the National Water Policy and water resource planning.
