General Knowledge: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

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.

Explanation

The Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) in the center of the Indian National Flag is known as the Ashoka Chakra. It has 24 spokes, symbolizing righteousness, progress, and perpetual motion. The Ashoka Chakra is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which is India’s national emblem. The 24 spokes represent the 24 virtues that guide life, such as truth, justice, compassion, and perseverance.

Explanation

The first linguistic state in India, Andhra State, was established on October 1, 1953, after being separated from the Madras Presidency. From 1953 until 1956, Kurnool served as the capital of Andhra State. Hyderabad became the capital after Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956 (after Telangana and Hyderabad State merged).

Explanation

Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency is the largest parliamentary constituency in India by area. It covers the entire Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir (now a Union Territory since 2019), spanning over 173,266 square kilometers. Despite being the largest in area, it has one of the lowest populations among Lok Sabha constituencies due to its harsh terrain and sparse settlements.

Explanation

Coffee Board Establishment: Created in accordance with the 1942 Coffee Act. Bengaluru, Karnataka, is the headquarters. Functions: Research, extension, development, market intelligence, internal and external promotion, and welfare initiatives are the main areas of concentration for the Coffee Board, which supports coffee production in India. Rubber Board Establishment: Constituted under the Rubber Act, 1947. Headquarters: Kottayam, Kerala. Functions: The Rubber Board is responsible for the overall development of the rubber industry in India, including research, extension, and market development activities. Tea Board Establishment: Constituted under the Tea Act, 1953. Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal. Functions: The Tea Board promotes the cultivation, processing, domestic trade, and export of tea from India. It also oversees research and development activities to improve tea quality and production. Tobacco Board Establishment: Constituted under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975. Headquarters: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Functions: The Tobacco Board regulates the production and marketing of tobacco in India, promoting exports and ensuring fair trade practices.

Explanation

Convert feet to centimetres: 1 foot = 30.48 cm 6 feet = 6 × 30.48 = 182.88 cm Convert centimeters to nanometers: 1 cm = 10 nanometers 182.88 cm = 182.88 × 10 nm 183 × 10 nm

Explanation

In India, Ebrahim Alkazi was a well-known theatre director, acting instructor, and art enthusiast. From 1962 until 1977, he was the Director of the National School of Drama (NSD), where he transformed Indian theatre education. By fusing Indian customs with Western methods, Alkazi significantly contributed to the modernisation of Indian theatre. He also served as a tutor to Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, among other well-known performers. For his services to Indian theatre, he received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Explanation

Asian Development Bank (ADB)- India is a founding member of ADB (established in 1966) and one of its largest borrowers. It has 69 members, 49 of whom are from Asia and the Pacific and 20 of whom are from outside, up from its founding in 1966 with 31 members. Owners of shares: The People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), Australia (5.7%), and Japan and the United States (each holding 15.6% of the total shares) are the top five shareholders of ADB as of December 31, 2019. Its headquarters is in Manila, Philippines. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)- In 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) was founded as a regional economic forum to capitalize on the region’s increasing interconnectedness. Through speeding regional economic integration and encouraging balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth, APEC seeks to increase prosperity for the people of the area. The APEC process is supported by a permanent secretariat based in Singapore. India is not a member of APEC. Colombo Plan-The Colombo Process is a regional consultative body with 12 Asian member states. It seeks to encourage South and Southeast Asian nations that send migrant workers outside to share best practices in this area. India is a founding member of the Colombo Plan (established in 1950) for economic and social development in Asia-Pacific. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) provides technical and administrative support to the Colombo Process. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)- It is an international organisation of 38 countries committed to democracy and the market economy. OECD members are typically democratic countries that support free-market economies. The OECD was established on December 14, 1960, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada. Headquarters: Paris, France. India is not a full member of the OECD but participates as a key partner in some OECD initiatives.

Explanation

Bimbavati Devi is a renowned Manipuri classical dancer. She is the daughter of Kalavati Devi and Guru Bipin Singh, two renowned Manipuri dancers. She has promoted Raas Leela and other traditional Manipuri dance styles through her numerous performances in India and overseas. The traditional Vaishnavite ceremonial motions of ancient Manipuri form and delicate developments for her modern productions are expertly balanced in Bimbavati Devi’s present style.

Explanation

Sarosh Zaiwalla is a renowned international legal expert and the founder of Zaiwalla & Co., a London-based law firm. He handled well-known international arbitration and litigation issues and was the first lawyer of Indian descent to open a practice in the United Kingdom. Russian corporations, Middle Eastern organisations, and the Indian government are just a few of the world leaders he has represented. His contributions to arbitration and international law are well known.