UPSC 1997 General Knowledge Questions with Answers
15 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on General Knowledge in the UPSC 1997 Prelims. Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 11–15 of 15 questions
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UPSC 1997General Knowledge · General Awareness: India
Q11. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I
List-II
A. Empowerment of women
1. Indira Mahila Yojana
B. Education for women’s equality
2. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh
C. Promotion of savings among rural women
3. Mahila Samakhya Programme
D. Meeting credit needs of the poor women
4. Mahila Samridhi Yojana
Explanation
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD), registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. RMK’s main objective is to provide micro-credit to poor women for livelihood support and income-generating activities at concessional terms, promoting their socio-economic development. Mahila Samridhi Yojana: It launched on October 2, 1993, aims to provide economic security to rural women, encouraging savings habits. Eligible women (18+ years) can open a savings account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 4 at their local rural post office. They receive a 25% encouragement amount on deposits not withdrawn for 1 year, and a 25% bonus, up to Rs. 300, every year. Indira Mahila Yojana: Launched in 1997, Indira Mahila Yojana aimed to empower poor women by promoting self-help groups (SHGs) at the village level for financial inclusion and skill development. Mahila Samakhya Programme: It began in 1988 as a direct initiative of the New Education Policy (1986) and its subsequent Programme of Action, with the objective of educating and empowering women in rural regions.
UPSC 1997General Knowledge · General Awareness: India
Q12. The Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended:
Explanation
In 1990, Dinesh Goswami headed the committee for electoral reforms recommendation in the electoral process. The Recommendations of Dinesh Goswami Committee Electoral Reforms: Proposed state funding for political parties, fresh delimitation (1981 census), and lowering the candidate age from 25 to 21 for assembly elections. Stricter Regulations: Limited candidates to contest in only two constituencies, increased security deposit to discourage non-serious candidates, and Anti-Defection Law amendments to restrict disqualification. Decision-Making: Disqualification of members to be decided by the President/Governor based on Election Commission advice.
Additional insight:
Other Key Committees Related to Electoral Reforms Committee Year Focus Area Vohra Committee 1993 Examined the link between criminals and politicians in India. Indrajit Gupta Committee 1998 Recommended partial state funding for elections to ensure fair competition. 2nd ARC Report (headed by Veerappa Moily) 2007 Suggested measures for transparency, accountability, and ethics in public administration. Tankha Committee 2010 Reviewed and proposed reforms in election laws and processes.
UPSC 1997General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q13. The average rate of domestic savings (gross) for the Indian economy is currently estimated to be in the range of:
Explanation
As of the period around 1997, India’s gross domestic savings rate was estimated to be in the range of 20 to 25 percent of GDP. The savings rate has been an important indicator of economic health, influencing investment capacity and overall growth potential.
UPSC 1997General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q14. One of the important agreements reached in the 1996 Ministerial Conference of WTO refers to:
Explanation
The 1996 WTO Ministerial Conference in Singapore marked a significant milestone in Commerce in Information Technology with the adoption of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). This agreement, signed by multiple WTO members, aimed to eliminate tariffs on IT products like computers, semiconductors, and telecom equipment, fostering global trade. By reducing trade barriers, the ITA became a key achievement for the WTO, enhancing the technology sector’s integration into the global economy.
UPSC 1997General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q15. Which one of the following States of India has passed a legislation (in 1996) making the maintenance of one’s parents mandatory?
Explanation
In 1996, Himachal Pradesh became the first state in India to pass a legislation making the maintenance of one’s parents mandatory. The Himachal Pradesh Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 1996 was enacted to ensure that children provide financial and physical support to their elderly parents, particularly those who are unable to support themselves.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
1997
(b) A - 1; B - 3; C - 4; D - 2
12
1997
(c) Governmental funding of parliament elections
13
1997
(b) 20 to 25 percent
14
1997
(a) Commerce in Information Technology
15
1997
(d) Himachal Pradesh
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on General Knowledge?
This page covers 15 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on General Knowledge in the UPSC 1997 Prelims, asked from 1996 to 2010. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for General Knowledge?
Questions on General Knowledge in the UPSC 1997 Prelims are available for 15 years, from 1996 to 2010. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
