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

Explanation

E.C.G. Sudarshan was an Indian theoretical physicist known for his contributions to quantum optics, tachyons and the concept of the V-A theory of weak interaction. V. Shanta was an oncologist associated with the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai and worked extensively in cancer care and awareness. She received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2005 and was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2016. T. N. Krishnan was a celebrated Carnatic violinist. Along with Lalgudi Jayaraman and M. S. Gopalakrishnan, he was considered part of the violin-trinity of Carnatic music. Mahesh Dattani is a renowned Indian playwright, director, and stage artist. He is known for his plays that address contemporary social issues and was the first Indian playwright in English to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Explanation

Gangubai Hangal was a renowned Hindustani classical singer from Karnataka. She belonged to the Kirana Gharana and specialized in Khayal singing. She received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Geeta Chandran: A well-known Bharatanatyam dancer.

Leela Samson: A celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer. Swapnasundari: A renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer.

Explanation

University of Madras is a State University, established in 1857. It is one of the oldest universities in India and is governed by the Tamil Nadu state government.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Pondicherry University: It is a Central University which was established in 1985. Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad: It was established in 1998. It is a Central University focused on Urdu education. Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan: It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, it became a Central University in 1951.

Explanation

Ela Bhatt (A - 2: Women labour sector): She was a social activist and the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). She worked extensively for the empowerment of women workers in the informal sector. Mahasweta Devi (B - 4: Literature and social work for the tribal communities): She was a renowned writer and activist who worked for the rights of tribal communities, especially the Santhals and Lodhas in West Bengal. Her notable works include Hajar Churashir Maa and Aranyer Adhikar. Ebrahim Alkazi (C - 1: Theatre training): He was a famous theatre director and was associated with the National School of Drama. He played a key role in shaping modern Indian theatre. Vijay Govindarajan (D - 3: Management teaching): He is a professor and expert in business strategy and innovation management. He is associated with Harvard Business School and Dartmouth College.

Explanation

Formation of Bangladesh (1971): Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan on 16 December 1971, following the Indo-Pak war. Pokhran (1974): India’s first successful nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, was conducted at Pokhran on 18 May 1974 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sikkim Statehood (1975): Sikkim was officially merged into India and became its 22nd state on 16 May 1975 through 36th Constitutional Amendment Act. SLV-3 Launch (1980): India’s first successful satellite launch vehicle, SLV-3, carried the Rohini satellite (RS-1) and was launched on 18 July 1980 under Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s leadership.

Explanation

Amartya Sen (A - 2): ‘The Argumentative Indian’ is a collection of essays by Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in Economics. The book explores India’s history, identity, and culture, emphasizing its tradition of debate and intellectual pluralism. Bimal Jalan (B - 3): Bimal Jalan, an economist and former RBI Governor wrote ‘The Future of India’, which discusses India’s economic policies, governance, and future growth prospects. Arundhati Roy (C - 1): Arundhati Roy, a Booker Prize-winning author, wrote ‘An Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire’, a collection of political essays criticizing globalization, imperialism, and policies affecting the poor. Mani Shankar Aiyar (D - 4): Mani Shankar Aiyar, a politician and writer, wrote ‘Confessions of a Secular Fundamentalist’, advocating secularism and critiquing communal politics in India.

Explanation

Pair (a) is not correctly matched: Raja Rao wrote primarily in English, not Telugu. He was an eminent Indian writer known for novels like Kanthapura and The Serpent and the Rope, which explore Indian philosophy, culture, and spirituality in English prose.

Explanation

Amaravati Stupa is located in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. It was built during the Satavahana period (3rd century BCE - 3rd century CE). It is associated with Mahayana Buddhism and has intricate sculptures depicting Jataka tales.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct:

The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. It was established in 1916 and is a premier research institute under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. It conducts research in hydraulic engineering, water resources, river and reservoir modeling, coastal engineering, and dam safety.

Option (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Sileru (Andhra Pradesh): Known for the Sileru Hydroelectric Project. Jamnagar (Gujarat): Famous for oil refineries and marine national parks. Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh): Known for the Srisailam Dam and temple.

Explanation

Projects and Development India Limited (PDIL) is a public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It was established in 1978 and specializes in design engineering, procurement, and supervision of construction/ commissioning in the field of fertilizer plants (Urea, Ammonia, Phosphatic fertilizers) and Chemical and allied industries.