General Knowledge: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Bhajan Sopori (1948-2022), Exponent of Santoor A legendary Santoor player from Jammu and Kashmir. Known as "Saint of Santoor" for his unique style. Recipient of Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and J&K State Award. Revived and popularised Sufi and Hindustani classical music on the Santoor. Birju Maharaj (1938-2022), Kathak Dancer A world-renowned Kathak exponent from the Lucknow Gharana. Grandson of Kalka-Bindadin Maharaj, who shaped the Lucknow style of Kathak. Awarded Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Kalidas Samman. Also choreographed dance sequences in Bollywood films like "Devdas" (2002) and "Vishwaroopam" (2013). Priyadarsini Govind, Bharatnatyam Dancer One of the leading Bharatanatyam dancers of India. Known for her expressive Abhinaya (facial expressions in dance). Received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Bharatanatyam. Trained under Kalanidhi Narayanan and S.K. Rajarathnam Pillai. T. V. Gopalakrishnan, Mridangam Maestro A renowned Carnatic percussionist, vocalist, and musicologist. Known for his mastery of Mridangam and contributions to Carnatic and Hindustani music. Trained several musicians and played with stalwarts like M. S. Subbulakshmi and Balamuralikrishna. Awarded Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Kalaimamani Award.

Explanation

P. V. Narasimha Rao, former Prime Minister of India (1991-1996), wrote the book "Ayodhya: 6 December 1992". The book provides his perspective on the Babri Masjid demolition, which took place on December 6, 1992, during his tenure as Prime Minister. It discusses the political events, legal aspects, and administrative challenges related to the Ayodhya dispute.

Explanation

The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious annual award presented by Columbia University, New York City, recognizing excellence in journalism, literature, and music. Established in 1917 through a $500,000 endowment from newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer, the prize is highly esteemed. Awards are announced on recommendations from the Pulitzer Prize Board, consisting of judges appointed by the university. Over time, the number and categories of awards have evolved, with the current structure including 14 prizes in journalism, 6 in literature, and 1 in music. Additionally, fellowships are granted to support aspiring professionals in these fields.

Explanation

Raghu Rai is a renowned Indian photographer and photojournalist. He is best known for his documentary photography, capturing historical, cultural, and political moments in India. He was a member of Magnum Photos, a prestigious international photography cooperative. His work includes iconic photographs of Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for his contribution to photography

Explanation

Bhanu Bharti - Renowned Indian theatre director known for historical and socially relevant plays, promoting folk and classical traditions. Mike Pandey - Award-winning Indian wildlife filmmaker focused on conservation and biodiversity, recipient of the Green Oscar. Mohd Zahur Khayyam - Legendary music composer, known for soulful melodies in Kabhi Kabhie and Umrao Jaan, awarded Padma Bhushan. Vinda Karandikar - Celebrated Marathi poet and critic, Jnanpith Award winner (2003), known for modernist and philosophical themes.

Explanation

V. P. Menon wrote the book "The Story of the Integration of the Indian States". He was a senior civil servant and served as Secretary to the Ministry of States under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The book details the merger of princely states into the Indian Union after independence in 1947. V. P. Menon played a key role in negotiating the Instrument of Accession, which led to the peaceful integration of many princely states.

Explanation

V. S. Naipaul - Trinidadian-British writer; In a Free State (1971) won the Booker Prize; explored themes of colonialism and identity; Nobel Laureate (2001). Salman Rushdie - Indian-born British author; Midnight’s Children (1981) won the Booker Prize and Booker of Bookers; a landmark in magical realism. Paul Scott - British novelist; Staying On (1977) won the Booker Prize; a sequel to The Raj Quartet, depicting British India’s decline. J. G. Farrell - Anglo-Irish writer; The Siege of Krishnapur (1973) won the Booker Prize; a historical novel on the 1857 Indian Rebellion.

Explanation

A-3, Vishwapati Trivedi served as the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Airlines. B-4, Tulsi R. Tanti, founder and chairman of Suzlon Energy, played a key role in the wind energy sector. C-1, Shashi Ruia is a prominent figure in the Essar Group, a multinational conglomerate. D-2, D.S. Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge India, is known for establishing Naukri.com, a leading online job portal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 establishes a National Judicial Council (NJC) t o investigate allegations of incapacity or misconduct against High Court and Supreme Court judges. It can act on complaints from individuals, MPs (50 from Rajya Sabha or 100 from Lok Sabha), or other sources. If allegations are proven, the NJC may impose minor penalties or recommend removal, which requires parliamentary impeachment.

Statement 2 is correct: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 enables a woman to petition a First Class Judicial Magistrate for relief, including protection, maintenance, and other remedies.

Explanation

In 2006, Rajasthan’s Shahgarh area in Jaisalmer gained attention for the discovery of high-quality natural gas reserves. This find was a key step in India’s hydrocarbon exploration efforts in the Thar Desert, boosting domestic gas production and reducing dependence on imports. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect Uranium deposits - Major uranium reserves in India are found in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya. Zinc deposits - Rajasthan is known for zinc reserves, particularly in Rampura-Agucha mines (Bhilwara district) and Zawar mines (Udaipur district), but Shahgarh is not associated with zinc mining. Wind power units (d) - Rajasthan has many wind power projects, but Shahgarh’s 2006 news coverage was about gas reserves, not wind energy.