General Knowledge: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

List-I List-II A. WTO 2. Multilateral trade negotiation body B. IDA 3. Sanction of soft loans C. IMF 1. Provides loans to address short-term balance payment problems D. IBRD 4. Facilitating lending and borrowing for reconstruction and development

Explanation

Statement (1) is correct: Before the European Union (EU) was officially established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, the organization was known as the European Economic Community (EEC), and earlier, the European Community (EC). The EU evolved from the EEC, formed by the Treaty of Rome (1957), which created a common market among six countries.

Statement (2) is correct:: The Single European Act (1986) and the Maastricht Treaty were milestones in its formation. The Single European Act (1986) was a major step towards achieving a single market in Europe, setting the groundwork for free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

Statement (3) is correct: Citizens of EU countries have the right to dual citizenship, meaning they can be citizens of both their own country and another EU member state, due to the free movement of people and the right of residence within the EU.

Statement (4) is incorrect: Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. While it has strong economic ties with the EU through various agreements, such as the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area (EEA), it remains outside of the EU.

Explanation

Kachchatheevu (or Kacchativu) is a small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. It was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement signed between Indira Gandhi (India) and Sirimavo Bandaranaike (Sri Lanka). Indian fishermen were granted access for pilgrimage and drying nets, but fishing rights remain a disputed issue. Tin Bigha, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, was leased by India to Bangladesh in 1992 to provide access between the Bangladeshi mainland and the Dahagram-Angarpota enclave. Both decisions were taken to resolve longstanding border and territorial issues peacefully with neighboring countries.

Explanation

The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998 profoundly impacted countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea. The primary catalyst for this crisis was the mismanagement of financial resources and weaknesses within the financial sector. This mismanagement led to excessive borrowing, over-leveraging, and speculative investments, creating vulnerabilities within these economies. While factors like currency overvaluation and global economic conditions played contributory roles, the fundamental cause was the structural weaknesses in financial management and governance within these nations.

Explanation

At its 7th Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 1997, Kenya was granted membership, becoming the 16th member of the group.

Explanation

Pair (a) is correctly matched: Jim Lake or Laker holds the record for most wickets in a Test match. He took 19 wickets in a Test match against Australia in 1956. Still the record. He played from England team. Pair (b) is correctly matched: Brian Lara Holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings (400), achieved against England in 2004. Still not broken. Pair (c) is correctly matched: Sanath Jayasuriya & Roshan Mahanama - Recorded the highest partnership in a Test innings (576 runs) for Sri Lanka against India in 1997. Still the record. Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: Sunil Gavaskar held the highest aggregate of runs in Test cricket before being surpassed by Allan Border (Australia) in 1993. So, Allan Border (Australia) held the Highest aggregate of runs in Test Cricket at the time when the question was asked.

Explanation

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (4) - An influential Hindustani classical musician who composed the tune for Vande Mataram and founded Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Venkatamahi (1) - A 17th-century Carnatic musicologist who introduced the Melakarta Raga classification system, which forms the foundation of Carnatic music theory. Shyama Shastri (2)- One of the Carnatic music Trinity, known for his devotional compositions in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Tamil, emphasizing intricate rhythmic patterns. Amir Khusrau (3)- A 13th-century Sufi musician and poet who pioneered the Khayal and Qawwali styles, blending Persian and Indian musical traditions.

Explanation

Shashi Tharoor (4)- Show Business is a satirical novel that delves into the world of Bollywood, media, and Indian politics through the life of a film star-turned-politician. Amitav Ghosh (2)- The Circle of Reason is his debut novel, blending history, science, and adventure, following the journey of an Indian boy falsely accused of terrorism. Anita Desai (1)- Clear Light of Day is a poignant novel about family bonds, childhood memories, and changing relationships set in Old Delhi. Vikram Chandra (3)- Love and Longing in Bombay is a collection of five interconnected stories exploring love, loss, and identity in Mumbai’s diverse landscape.

Explanation

Saraswati Mahal Library (3) - Located in Thanjavur, it is one of the oldest libraries in India, known for its rare palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (2) - Located in Dharamshala, it preserves Tibetan literature, Buddhist scriptures, and historical documents. Raza Library (4) - Situated in Rampur, it houses a vast collection of Indo-Islamic manuscripts, rare books, and miniature paintings. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library (1) - Located in Patna, it is renowned for its extensive collection of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu manuscripts.

Explanation

Transchart is the chartering wing of the Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India. It handles the hiring of foreign and Indian flag vessels for transporting cargo for public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government departments. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth movement of bulk cargo like crude oil, fertilizers, and food grains.