General Knowledge: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

In 2009, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. But it was relocated to Ballabhgarh, Haryana, in 2018.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The National School of Drama is considered one of the world’s leading theater training institutions. It was set up by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of its constituent units in 1959. In 1975, it became an independent entity and was registered as an autonomous organization under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Statement 2 is correct: The Sahitya Akademi Fellowship is a literary honour in India bestowed by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters. It is the highest honour conferred by the Akademi on a living writer. The fellowship is given to a select group of writers, known as the "immortals of Indian literature".The number of fellows is limited to 21 at any given time.

Explanation

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is one of India’s most prestigious scientific awards, given annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Established in 1958, it is named after Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the founder-director of CSIR and a pioneer of scientific research in India. It is given for research in seven disciplines: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Sciences and Physical Sciences.

Explanation

The Non-Aligned Movement was established during the Cold War, when the colonial system was collapsing and the people of Asia, Africa, and Latin America were fighting for independence. The movement’s main goals were to support national independence, self-determination, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. Giani Zail Singh, the 7th President of India (1982-1987), served as the Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 1983 to 1986. He assumed this role after India hosted the 7th NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983.

Explanation

Mandakini Amte: She, along with her husband Dr. Prakash Amte, has worked extensively for the upliftment of tribal communities in Maharashtra, particularly through the Lok Biradari Prakalp, which provides healthcare, education, and social services. She has received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her humanitarian efforts. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhary: A renowned theatre artist and Padma Shri awardee (2011), she is known for blending traditional Indian theatre with contemporary themes. She has worked extensively in Punjabi theatre and is famous for her adaptation of folk storytelling traditions into modern theatre. Romila Thapar: A highly respected Indian historian, specializing in ancient Indian history. She has authored several influential books, including "A History of India", and has been recognized for her academic work globally. She has been awarded the Kluge Prize (2008), often considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in history. D. Vanashree Rao: A well-known Kuchipudi dancer and choreographer, she has significantly contributed to the promotion and innovation of Indian classical dance. She has performed internationally and received accolades for her work in preserving and popularizing traditional dance forms.

Explanation

Stree Shakti Puraskar now ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar’ recognises outstanding work in the fields of economic and social empowerment of women. These awards are By President of India on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’ i.e. 8 March, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for recognizing exceptional work done by individuals/ groups/Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) / institutions. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award:

This award is given for exceptional administrative skills and leadership in governance, inspired by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar (1725-1795), the ruler of Indore, known for her efficient administration, philanthropy, and public welfare work. She was famous for building roads, temples, and dharamshalas, and improving governance during her reign.

Explanation

Tabo Monastery is located in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It was founded in 996 AD by the Buddhist translator and teacher Rinchen Zangpo under the patronage of the Western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge (modern-day Tibet). Often called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas", it is famous for its ancient murals, stucco sculptures, and thangka paintings. It is one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in India and holds immense religious and historical significance. The monastery is affiliated with the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Gatka is a traditional martial art of Punjab, not Kerala. It is associated with Sikh warriors and was historically used by Nihang Sikhs in battles. It involves swordfighting techniques and defensive moves.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Madhubani is a famous traditional painting style from Bihar, especially from the Mithila region. The GI tag ensures that only paintings produced in the authentic Madhubani style, by artists from the Mithila region, can be legally marketed and sold under the name "Madhubani painting."It features vibrant colors, intricate designs, and themes inspired by Hindu mythology

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Singhey Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival This 3 day festival is celebrated in Ladakh (formerly part of Jammu & Kashmir). It honors the Sindhu (Indus) River, symbolizing unity, culture, and national integration. Singhey Khababs means "Lion’s Mouth", referring to the origin of the Indus River.

Explanation

The Agaria community is a group of people in India who work in salt production. They have their own unique culture, traditions, and language. Salt production The Agaria community are salt farmers in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. They create and maintain salt pans, collect salt crystals, and process and package the salt. They have specialized knowledge about weather conditions, salt pan behavior, and the salt production process. They have a deep connection with the land and the salt, which they consider sacred.

Explanation

The Kalka-Shimla Railway was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2008 as part of the Mountain Railways of India. This recognition was given due to its historical significance and outstanding engineering achievement in a difficult mountainous terrain.