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

Explanation

The Non-Aligned Movement was established during the Cold War, when the colonial system was collapsing and the people of Asia, Africa, and Latin America were fighting for independence. The movement’s main goals were to support national independence, self-determination, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. Giani Zail Singh, the 7th President of India (1982-1987), served as the Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 1983 to 1986. He assumed this role after India hosted the 7th NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983.

Explanation

Mandakini Amte: She, along with her husband Dr. Prakash Amte, has worked extensively for the upliftment of tribal communities in Maharashtra, particularly through the Lok Biradari Prakalp, which provides healthcare, education, and social services. She has received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her humanitarian efforts. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhary: A renowned theatre artist and Padma Shri awardee (2011), she is known for blending traditional Indian theatre with contemporary themes. She has worked extensively in Punjabi theatre and is famous for her adaptation of folk storytelling traditions into modern theatre. Romila Thapar: A highly respected Indian historian, specializing in ancient Indian history. She has authored several influential books, including "A History of India", and has been recognized for her academic work globally. She has been awarded the Kluge Prize (2008), often considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in history. D. Vanashree Rao: A well-known Kuchipudi dancer and choreographer, she has significantly contributed to the promotion and innovation of Indian classical dance. She has performed internationally and received accolades for her work in preserving and popularizing traditional dance forms.

Explanation

Stree Shakti Puraskar now ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar’ recognises outstanding work in the fields of economic and social empowerment of women. These awards are By President of India on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’ i.e. 8 March, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for recognizing exceptional work done by individuals/ groups/Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) / institutions. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award:

This award is given for exceptional administrative skills and leadership in governance, inspired by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar (1725-1795), the ruler of Indore, known for her efficient administration, philanthropy, and public welfare work. She was famous for building roads, temples, and dharamshalas, and improving governance during her reign.

Explanation

Tabo Monastery is located in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It was founded in 996 AD by the Buddhist translator and teacher Rinchen Zangpo under the patronage of the Western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge (modern-day Tibet). Often called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas", it is famous for its ancient murals, stucco sculptures, and thangka paintings. It is one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in India and holds immense religious and historical significance. The monastery is affiliated with the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Gatka is a traditional martial art of Punjab, not Kerala. It is associated with Sikh warriors and was historically used by Nihang Sikhs in battles. It involves swordfighting techniques and defensive moves.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Madhubani is a famous traditional painting style from Bihar, especially from the Mithila region. The GI tag ensures that only paintings produced in the authentic Madhubani style, by artists from the Mithila region, can be legally marketed and sold under the name "Madhubani painting."It features vibrant colors, intricate designs, and themes inspired by Hindu mythology

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Singhey Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival This 3 day festival is celebrated in Ladakh (formerly part of Jammu & Kashmir). It honors the Sindhu (Indus) River, symbolizing unity, culture, and national integration. Singhey Khababs means "Lion’s Mouth", referring to the origin of the Indus River.

Explanation

The Agaria community is a group of people in India who work in salt production. They have their own unique culture, traditions, and language. Salt production The Agaria community are salt farmers in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. They create and maintain salt pans, collect salt crystals, and process and package the salt. They have specialized knowledge about weather conditions, salt pan behavior, and the salt production process. They have a deep connection with the land and the salt, which they consider sacred.

Explanation

Palitana Temples is a well-known Jain pilgrimage place in Gujarat that is close to Bhavnagar. They are composed of more than 800 finely carved marble temples dedicated to 24 Tirthankars. and are located atop Shatrunjaya Hill. Every pious Jain is obliged to make the Palitana Yatra (pilgrimage) at least once in their lifetime because the temples are regarded as one of the holiest places in Jainism. Many Jain patrons contributed to the construction of these temples over a period of 900 years. Famous Temples in Mount Abu (Rajasthan) Dilwara Temples - A group of exquisitely carved Jain temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries, known for their intricate marble craftsmanship. Adhar Devi Temple - Dedicated to Goddess Durga, built inside a natural cave, requiring 365 steps to reach. Raghunath Temple - A Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its historical and spiritual significance. Famous Temples in Nasik (Maharashtra) Trimbakeshwar Temple - One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located near the origin of the Godavari River. Kalaram Temple - An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama, built entirely of black stone. Sundarnarayan Temple - A Vishnu temple, famous for its unique alignment with the rising sun during the equinox. Kapaleshwar Temple - A rare Shiva temple without a Nandi idol, as it is believed that Shiva himself performed penance here. Famous Temples in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh):

Mahakaleshwar Temple - One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, known for its Bhasma Aarti, where sacred ash is offered to Lord Shiva every morning. Kal Bhairav Temple - Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, where liquor is offered as a ritual to the deity. Harsiddhi Temple - One of the Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Chintaman Ganesh Temple - An ancient temple where Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the "remover of worries".

Explanation

BRIT (Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology) is an organisation under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. It specialises in isotope applications, radiopharmaceuticals, industrial radiography, and radiation processing. BRIT provides radioisotopes and radiation technologies for a range of uses, which are essential to nuclear medicine, agriculture, industry, and research. It supports healthcare by providing radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment and contributes to food preservation, sterilisation of medical products, and industrial testing.

Explanation

The Rajiv Gandhi National Flying Institute (RGNFI) is being established in Gondia, Maharashtra. It is a premier pilot training institute under the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA) and operates under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India. The institute aims to enhance aviation training and produce highly skilled commercial pilots to meet the growing demands of the aviation sector. It is equipped with modern training aircraft, simulators, and world-class infrastructure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: In 2008 the NSG had 45 member countries (currently in 2025, it has 48 members). Based on " Non Proliferation Principle" require that importing states provide assurances to NSG members that proposed deals will not contribute to the creation of nuclear weapons.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Although India received a waiver in 2008 allowing it to engage in nuclear trade despite not being a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it was not granted full membership. India has been seeking NSG membership, but it hasn’t been admitted as a member yet.