General Awareness: India: UPSC Previous Year Questions (General Knowledge)

Explanation

Aleutian Trench - North Pacific Ocean Located along the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, it is a subduction zone where the Pacific Plate sinks beneath the North American Plate. Kermadec Trench - South Pacific Ocean Found near New Zealand, it is one of the world’s deepest trenches, formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Indo-Australian Plate. Sunda Trench - Indian Ocean Also called the Java Trench, it lies off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, and is associated with frequent earthquakes and tsunamis. South Sandwich Trench - South Atlantic Ocean Located near the South Sandwich Islands, it is the deepest trench in the Atlantic Ocean, formed by the subduction of the South American Plate beneath the Scotia Plate.

Explanation

Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies - Varanasi A premier institute for Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy, and ancient Indian wisdom, located in Uttar Pradesh. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research - Mumbai A research institution focusing on economic development and policy studies, located in Maharashtra. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) - Bangalore A leading center for mental health and neuroscience research, based in Karnataka. Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (now EFLU) - Hyderabad A prestigious university specializing in English and foreign language studies, situated in Telangana.

Explanation

Mineral Oil - Venezuela Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, primarily in the Orinoco Belt. Copper - Zambia Zambia is a major producer of copper, particularly from the Copperbelt region, which contributes significantly to its economy. Manganese - Gabon Gabon is one of the world’s top manganese producers, with significant deposits in the Moanda region. Bauxite - Guyana Guyana is a key bauxite-producing country, with large deposits found in Linden and Berbice.

Explanation

M/s Gowthami Solvents Oil Ltd, Andhra Pradesh - Rice husk This plant utilizes rice husk, an agricultural waste product, as a biomass fuel for power generation. M/s K.M. Sugar Mills, Uttar Pradesh - Distillery spent wash The sugar mill uses distillery spent wash, a byproduct of sugar and ethanol production, for energy generation. M/s Satia Paper Mills, Punjab - Black liquor A paper mill that generates power from black liquor, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry. M/s Al Kabeer Exports Ltd, Andhra Pradesh - Slaughterhouse waste This plant generates biogas from slaughterhouse waste, which is used for energy production.

Explanation

Code (a) is correct.

Balamurali Krishna - Carnatic Vocal M.

Balamuralikrishna was a renowned Carnatic vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Mita Pandit - Hindustani Vocal Mita Pandit was a prominent Hindustani classical vocalist, known for her expertise in Kirana Gharana. Kanyakumari - Ghatam A renowned percussionist, Kanyakumari is associated with the Ghatam, a traditional Indian clay pot instrument. Nikhil Banerjee - Sitar A celebrated sitar maestro, Nikhil Banerjee belonged to the Maihar Gharana and was known for his intricate renditions.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Baki Itihas is a famous Bengali play by Badal Sarkar, known for his "Third Theatre" movement.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sita Swayamvar is a Marathi musical play (Sangeet Natak) written by Vishnu Das Bhave, considered the father of Marathi theatre.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Yayati is a well-known Kannada play by Girish Karnad, based on the Mahabharata character Yayati.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Giddha is a traditional Punjabi dance performed by women, not a play or film directed by Jabbar Patel, who is known for Marathi films and plays like "Ghashiram Kotwal" and "Umbartha".

Explanation

Option (a) is correct Raga Todi is a morning raga, usually sung in the late morning (around 9 AM to noon). It is known for its deep, meditative, and serious mood. Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect Raga Darbari is a late-night raga, often associated with serenity and pathos. Raga Bhopali is an early evening raga, known for its light and uplifting nature. Raga Bhimpalasi is a late afternoon raga, conveying a romantic and devotional mood.

Explanation

"My Music My Life" is an autobiography of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, detailing his musical journey. "Adha Gaon" is a famous novel by Rahi Masoom Raza depicting the socio-political changes in rural India. "Radha" is a poetic work composed by Ramakanta Rath exploring the philosophical aspects of Radha-Krishna’s love. "The Pilferer" is a Marathi novel written by Laxman Gaikwad, it is based on the struggles of a nomadic tribe in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Chakiarkoothu is a traditional Sanskrit theatre art form of Kerala, performed exclusively by the Chakiar caste.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Traditionally, it was restricted to upper-caste Hindus, while others were not allowed.

Statement 3 is correct: Mizhavu, a large copper drum, is the primary percussion instrument used in the performance.

Statement 4 is correct: The performance is staged in a Koothambalam, a sacred temple theatre.