Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

In Custody - Anita Desai A novel about a struggling Hindi professor who gets the opportunity to interview a fading Urdu poet, exploring themes of language, identity, and loss. Sea of Poppies - Amitav Ghosh The first book in the Ibis Trilogy, delves into the opium trade, colonialism, and diverse characters embarking on a life-changing journey in the 19th century. The Argumentative Indian - Amartya Sen A collection of essays discussing India’s rich history of debate, democracy, and intellectual traditions, written by the Nobel laureate economist. Unaccustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that explore themes of migration, cultural identity, and family relationships among Bengali immigrants.

Explanation

"Golden Threshold" is a collection of poems written by Sarojini Naidu, published in 1905. She was known as the "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical and evocative poetry. Her poems often revolved around themes of Indian culture, patriotism, and nature. Apart from being a poet, she was also a freedom fighter and the first woman President of the Indian National Congress. Other book - The Bird of Time, The Broken Wing

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Ashok Leyland is one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. It is owned by the Hinduja Group, a multinational conglomerate.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Hindalco Industries Limited is a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. It is a leading aluminium and copper manufacturing company in India.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Suzlon Energy is one of India’s largest renewable energy companies, specializing in wind energy. It was founded by Tulsi Tanti and is NOT associated with the Punj Lloyd Group. Punj Lloyd is an engineering and construction company, mainly in the infrastructure and defence sectors.

Explanation

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order on August 3, 1954. As per this order, all businesses of the Government of India, related to Atomic Energy and to the functions of the Central Government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1948 (XXIX of 1948) were directed to be transacted in the Department of Atomic Energy.It was established in 1954 by Dr. Homi Bhabha to oversee nuclear energy development, research, and applications. The DAE is responsible for nuclear power generation, research institutions like BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre), and atomic research in India.

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.