General Knowledge: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Konkan Railway runs through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, but not Kerala. Statements (a), (c), and (d) are correct:

Its total length is approximately 760 km, stretching from Roha in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. It is a significant railway project as it cuts across the Western Ghats, making it a vital link between the coastal and interior regions. The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) was established and raised funds through public issues to finance its construction.

Explanation

Chakrata (Uttarakhand, formerly Uttar Pradesh) - A hill station known for its serene landscapes and adventure activities. Haflong (Assam) - The only hill station in Assam, famous for its beautiful valleys and tribal culture. Kalimpong (West Bengal) - A scenic hill station in the eastern Himalayas, known for its Buddhist monasteries and flower nurseries. Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) - A popular winter destination near Shimla, known for skiing and snow activities.

Explanation

Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, with over 900 million native speakers and more than 1.1 billion total speakers. It is the official language of China and Taiwan and is widely spoken in Singapore and other Chinesespeaking communities worldwide.

Explanation

Pair (d) is correctly matched: Mukna (Manipur) - A traditional wrestling sport in Manipur, often performed during festive occasions and cultural events, showcasing physical strength and agility. Pair (a) is incorrectly matched: Korku (Madhya Pradesh) - A tribal dance performed by the Korku tribe, mainly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, often celebrating harvest and festivals. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Jhummar (Punjab/Rajasthan) - A graceful and rhythmic dance performed primarily by men in Punjab and Rajasthan, often accompanied by dhol and other traditional instruments. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: Thali (Rajasthan) - A Rajasthani folk dance where performers balance multiple brass plates (thalis) on their heads, demonstrating skill and coordination.

Explanation

Cauvery River - Mettur Dam (Tamil Nadu): Built in 1934, it supports irrigation and hydroelectric power. Other dams include Krishnarajasagara, Kallanai, and Kabini. Krishna River - Almatti Dam (Karnataka): Part of the Upper Krishna Project, aiding irrigation and power. Other dams: Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, and Tungabhadra. Narmada River - Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat):

Supplies water to multiple states. Other dams: Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar. Chambal River - Gandhi Sagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh):

A gravity dam (1960) for irrigation and power. Other dams:

Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, and Kota Barrage.

Explanation

In tennis, the Grand Slam refers to winning all four major tournaments in the same calendar year. These four tournaments are:

1. Australian Open (held in Melbourne, Australia)

2. French Open (held in Paris, France)

3. Wimbledon (held in London, United Kingdom)

4. US Open (held in New York City, United States)

Explanation

The United Nations recognizes six official languages:

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. This multilingual approach facilitates communication and documentation across the organization’s global operations.

Explanation

List-I (Currency) List-II (Country) A. Ringgit 4. Malayasia B. Baht 3. Thailand C. Rupiah 1. Indonesia D. Won 2. South Korea

Explanation

The satellite launched by Canada (RADARSAT-1 Satellite) has helped in the preparation of a complete and high resolution map of Antarctica. Data collected from six satellites over the course of 25 years was used to create the most accurate map of ice velocity in Antarctica, shedding light on the effects of climate change on glaciers for the continent.

Explanation

The "Limits to Growth" is a famous report published in 1972 by Donella Meadows, Dennis Meadows, Jorgen Randers, and William Behrens for the Club of Rome. The report used computer simulations to predict the consequences of unchecked population growth, industrialization, pollution, food production, and resource depletion on Earth. Key Prediction by Meadows (1972):

If current trends in population growth, resource consumption, and pollution continue unchanged, the world would reach its limits to growth within the next 100 years. This would lead to economic decline, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and possible societal collapse. The report recommended sustainable development and policy changes to avoid such a crisis.