UPSC 2003 General Knowledge Questions with Answers
41 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on General Knowledge in the UPSC 2003 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 21–30 of 41 questions
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UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q21. Among the following commodities imported by India during the year 2000-01, which one was the highest in terms of rupee value?
Explanation
During 2000-01, India’s major imports included petroleum products, pearls and precious stones, edible oils, chemicals, and fertilizers. Pearls and precious stones were the largest import category, valued at 25,000-30,000 crore ($6.5 billion), followed by chemicals (9,000-10,000 crore) and edible oils (9,000 crore/$2 billion). Fertilizer imports were lower, at less than 7,000 crore.
Additional insight:
Economic Survey 2023-24, the import values in billion USD for the specified commodities are:
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q22. Consider the following statements: 1. The maximum limit of shareholding of Indian promoters in private sector banks in India is 49 percent of the paid up capital 2. Foreign Direct Investment up to 49 percent from all sources is permitted in private sector banks in India under the automatic route Which of these statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: As per RBI guidelines, Indian promoters were allowed to hold up to 40% in private sector banks, not 49%. This limit was subject to gradual dilution over time as per RBI regulations.
Statement 2 is correct: In 2001, the Government of India allowed FDI up to 49% in private sector banks under the automatic route. However, the total foreign investment limit, including FDI, FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors), and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), was capped at 74%.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q23. Who is the author of the book ‘New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy’?
Explanation
Option (a) is correct: The book "New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy" was authored by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who served as India’s Prime Minister, delivered a series of speeches and statements outlining India’s foreign policy direction. The book compiles these speeches, providing insights into India’s diplomatic strategy, international relations, and global positioning during his tenure. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
Jaswant Singh: A prominent Indian politician and diplomat, Jaswant Singh authored "Jinnah: India-Partition-Independence". P.C. Alexander: An Indian civil servant and politician, P.C. Alexander wrote "Through the Corridors of Power: An Insider’s Story". Yashwant Sinha: Former Finance Minister, Yashwant Sinha authored "India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy".
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q24. Who among the following was selected for the 2001 Dada Saheb Phalke Award?
Explanation
Option (d) is correct: Yash Chopra, the legendary filmmaker, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001. He was known for directing and producing some of Bollywood’s most romantic and dramatic films, such as Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and Veer-Zaara (2004). Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect Lata Mangeshkar - She received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989. Ramanand Sagar - Not a recipient of this award. Dev Anand -He was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q25. In the year 2002, the President of India presented the national award for excellence in public administration and management science to:
Explanation
In 2002, N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, was honored with the National Award for Excellence in Public Administration and Management Science by the President of India. This award recognized his significant contributions to the Indian IT industry, corporate governance, and ethical business practices.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q26. Sandeep Pandey, the winner of Raman Magsaysay Award, is mainly an activist in:
Explanation
Sandeep Pandey, a social activist and co-founder of Asha for Education, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2002 for his work in education and livelihood projects for Dalits and marginalized communities.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q27. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:
List-I (High Officials)
List-II (Organisation)
A. C.P. Jain
1. Indian Airlines
B. S. Ramadorai
2. NTPC
C. Sunil Arora
3. TCS
D. Vivek Paul
4. Wipro Technologies
Explanation
C.P. Jain (NTPC) - Former Chairman of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), played a key role in India’s power sector development. S. Ramadorai (TCS) - Served as CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), instrumental in making it a global IT powerhouse. Sunil Arora (Indian Airlines) - Held key leadership roles in Indian Airlines, contributing to its management and operations. Vivek Paul (Wipro Technologies) - Former Vice Chairman of Wipro Technologies, significantly expanded its global IT services.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q28. In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed: ‘Delhi Declaration’ with the:
Explanation
In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed the "Delhi Declaration" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening India-Russia strategic partnership and cooperation in defense, trade, and global security.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q29. The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2002 was awarded to:
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2002 was awarded to Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for her efforts in humanitarian work and refugee protection worldwide.
Additional insight:
The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award presented by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust for contributions toward peace, disarmament, and development. It was established in 1986 and recognizes individuals or organizations that promote international cooperation and a more equitable world order. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was presented to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad.
UPSC 2003General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q30. Assertion (A): The new EXIM policy is liberal, market oriented and favours global trade. Reason (R): GATT has played a significant role in the liberalisation of the economy.
Explanation
The EXIM (Export-Import) Policy of India was revised to be more liberal and market-oriented to encourage global trade. This was influenced by international trade agreements and reforms under GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), which played a major role in the liberalization of economies worldwide by reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade. Thus, GATT’s influence explains the shift in India’s EXIM policy.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
21
2003
(d) Pearls, precious and semi-precious stones
22
2003
(b) 2 Only
23
2003
(a) A.B. Vajpayee
24
2003
(d) Yash Chopra
25
2003
(b) N.R. Narayana Murthy
26
2003
(d) education and livelihood projects for Dalits
27
2003
(c) A-2; B-3; C-1; D-4
28
2003
(b) President of Russia
29
2003
(d) Sadako Ogata
30
2003
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on General Knowledge?
This page covers 41 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on General Knowledge in the UPSC 2003 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 2003 Prelims are available for 15 years, from 1996 to 2010. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
