Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

India’s Moon Impact Probe (MIP) was a part of the Chandrayaan-1 mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and it was successfully launched and landed on the Moon on October 22, 2008. However, China was the first among the listed countries to land a lunar probe.

Explanation

The V.K. Krishna Menon Foundation is based in London. Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan has received the first V K Krishna Menon Award for his fearless fight against corruption in the Judicial system and for espousing social causes. Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was India’s first High Commissioner to London, known for defending India’s sovereignty, notably in Kashmir at the UN in 1957.

Explanation

A-3, Anna Hazare (Gandhian & Social Activist) - Led anti-corruption campaigns and rural development initiatives, notably the India Against Corruption movement and Jan Lokpal Bill advocacy. B-2, Deepak Parekh (Banker) - Chairman of HDFC Ltd., instrumental in shaping India’s housing finance sector. C-4, GVK Reddy (Industrialist) - Chairman of GVK Group, engaged in energy, transportation, hospitality, and infrastructure. A-1, Harish Salve (Lawyer) - Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, known for high-profile legal cases.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Haryana was carved out of Punjab in 1966, after which Chandigarh was administered by a Chief Commissioner reporting to the Union government. This system ended on June 1, 1984, just before Operation Bluestar, and the Punjab Governor took additional charge of Chandigarh UT.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Lakshadweep has a separate administrator and its administrative headquarters is in Kavaratti.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct, Christie’s is a well-known auction house that conducts auctions in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and various other categories. It is one of the largest and most famous auction houses globally.

Option 2 is correct, Osian’s Connoisseurs of Art, founded by Neville Tuli in 2000, is India’s first auction house dedicated to fine arts, antiquities, vintage and classic automobiles, and film memorabilia. Option 3 is correct, Sotheby’s is another prestigious and renowned auction house, known for dealing in fine art, collectibles, antiques, and real estate auctions. It is a major global player in the auction industry.

Explanation

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international agreement that aims to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology. The protocol is a supplementary agreement to CBD, Convention on Biological Diversity. In India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is responsible for the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The ministry handles issues related to biodiversity, the environment, and biosafety regulations. Specifically, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) play key roles in the enforcement of the protocol.

Explanation

B.K. Chaturvedi committee was set up for a permanent and transparent method of pricing petroleum products in India. A key aspect of their mandate was to assess the financial position of public sector oil companies and propose measures to ensure their long-term viability.

Explanation

Roche Holding AG: It is a pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, not a financial services firm. It is one of the world’s largest biotech companies and focuses on healthcare, specifically in drugs and diagnostics.

Explanation

The Banking Regulation Act was enacted in 1949, and was a cornerstone in India’s economic history. It aimed to regulate and stabilize the banking sector, empowering the Re-serve Bank of India (RBI) to supervise banks. Key provisions included setting minimum capital requirements, licensing banks, regulating branch expansion, and ensuring proper management and audit. The act also protected depositors’ interests, prevented fraud, and maintained banking integrity. It laid the foundation for a robust banking system, crucial for India’s post-independence economic development. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

The First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) focused on agricultural development and irrigation projects to address food shortages and stabilize the economy after independence. It laid the foundation for planned economic growth. The State Bank of India (SBI) was nationalized in 1955 when the Imperial Bank of India was transformed into SBI. This move aimed to expand banking services and support economic development. The nationalization of insurance companies occurred in 1956, with the formation of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). This was done to ensure that insurance services reached all sections of society, particularly in rural areas.

Explanation

Saffron spice is made from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. The stigmas are handpicked, dried, and processed to produce saffron. Each flower has only three stigmas, making the harvesting process labor-intensive and contributing to saffron’s high value. The stigmas are highly prized for their distinctive flavor, aroma, and vibrant golden color.