General Knowledge: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Canadian Parliament made history in 2008 by becoming the first in the world to enact a Climate Act. This pioneering legislation, known as "The Climate Change Accountability Bill," aimed to hold the government accountable for implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. By passing this bill, Canada demonstrated its commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change and set a precedent for other countries to follow.

Explanation

Elephant Pass is a strategic location in northern Sri Lanka, connecting the Jaffna Peninsula to the rest of the island. This narrow isthmus, about 12 km wide, is the only land route between Jaffna and the rest of Sri Lanka, making it a crucial trade route and a significant cultural and historical site.

Explanation

The Deepak Parekh Committee was a committee that recommended ways to finance infrastructure development in India.

Explanation

The Gundecha brothers are the most active performers of the ancient Indian musical vocal genre known as Dhrupad on the world musical scene today. They have made numerous international tours visiting more than 25 countries around the globe and have recorded more than three dozen Ds from various national and international music labels. In 2012, Umakant and Ramakant, both vocalists and the elder of the three brothers, received from the government of India the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor of India, for their contribution to Indian classical music.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Chevron Corporation is a leading American multinational energy company primarily engaged in the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of oil and natural gas. It plays a key role in the global energy sector, focusing on petroleum, alternative energy, and sustainability initiatives.

Option (b) is incorrect: Nicholas Piramal (now known as Piramal Pharma) is a well-known Indian pharmaceutical company.

Option (c) is incorrect: Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical giant known for producing vaccines and medicines.

Option (d) is incorrect: Zydus Cadila is an Indian pharmaceutical company engaged in drug manufacturing and research.

Explanation

Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941) - A pioneering Indian-Hungarian painter, she played a key role in modern Indian art, blending Western techniques with Indian themes. Recognized as a National Treasure Artist of India posthumously. Bhimsen Joshi(1922-2011) - A legendary Hindustani classical Singer from the Kirana Gharana, known for his powerful and expressive khayal renditions. Awarded by Bharat Ratna (2009) India’s highest civilian award. Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) - A pioneering Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, she played a crucial role in reviving and popularizing the art form. Awarded by Padma Bhushan (1956) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1967). Suryakant Tripathi Nirala (1896-1961) - A prominent Hindi poet, novelist, and essayist, he was a key figure in the Chhayavaad (romanticism) movement in Hindi literature. Awarded by Padma Bhushan (1969) (Posthumous) for his contributions to literature.

Explanation

In Custody - Anita Desai A novel about a struggling Hindi professor who gets the opportunity to interview a fading Urdu poet, exploring themes of language, identity, and loss. Sea of Poppies - Amitav Ghosh The first book in the Ibis Trilogy, delves into the opium trade, colonialism, and diverse characters embarking on a life-changing journey in the 19th century. The Argumentative Indian - Amartya Sen A collection of essays discussing India’s rich history of debate, democracy, and intellectual traditions, written by the Nobel laureate economist. Unaccustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that explore themes of migration, cultural identity, and family relationships among Bengali immigrants.

Explanation

"Golden Threshold" is a collection of poems written by Sarojini Naidu, published in 1905. She was known as the "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical and evocative poetry. Her poems often revolved around themes of Indian culture, patriotism, and nature. Apart from being a poet, she was also a freedom fighter and the first woman President of the Indian National Congress. Other book - The Bird of Time, The Broken Wing

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Ashok Leyland is one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. It is owned by the Hinduja Group, a multinational conglomerate.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Hindalco Industries Limited is a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. It is a leading aluminium and copper manufacturing company in India.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Suzlon Energy is one of India’s largest renewable energy companies, specializing in wind energy. It was founded by Tulsi Tanti and is NOT associated with the Punj Lloyd Group. Punj Lloyd is an engineering and construction company, mainly in the infrastructure and defence sectors.

Explanation

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order on August 3, 1954. As per this order, all businesses of the Government of India, related to Atomic Energy and to the functions of the Central Government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1948 (XXIX of 1948) were directed to be transacted in the Department of Atomic Energy.It was established in 1954 by Dr. Homi Bhabha to oversee nuclear energy development, research, and applications. The DAE is responsible for nuclear power generation, research institutions like BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre), and atomic research in India.