Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious annual award presented by Columbia University, New York City, recognizing excellence in journalism, literature, and music. Established in 1917 through a $500,000 endowment from newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer, the prize is highly esteemed. Awards are announced on recommendations from the Pulitzer Prize Board, consisting of judges appointed by the university. Over time, the number and categories of awards have evolved, with the current structure including 14 prizes in journalism, 6 in literature, and 1 in music. Additionally, fellowships are granted to support aspiring professionals in these fields.

Explanation

Raghu Rai is a renowned Indian photographer and photojournalist. He is best known for his documentary photography, capturing historical, cultural, and political moments in India. He was a member of Magnum Photos, a prestigious international photography cooperative. His work includes iconic photographs of Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for his contribution to photography

Explanation

Bhanu Bharti - Renowned Indian theatre director known for historical and socially relevant plays, promoting folk and classical traditions. Mike Pandey - Award-winning Indian wildlife filmmaker focused on conservation and biodiversity, recipient of the Green Oscar. Mohd Zahur Khayyam - Legendary music composer, known for soulful melodies in Kabhi Kabhie and Umrao Jaan, awarded Padma Bhushan. Vinda Karandikar - Celebrated Marathi poet and critic, Jnanpith Award winner (2003), known for modernist and philosophical themes.

Explanation

V. P. Menon wrote the book "The Story of the Integration of the Indian States". He was a senior civil servant and served as Secretary to the Ministry of States under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The book details the merger of princely states into the Indian Union after independence in 1947. V. P. Menon played a key role in negotiating the Instrument of Accession, which led to the peaceful integration of many princely states.

Explanation

V. S. Naipaul - Trinidadian-British writer; In a Free State (1971) won the Booker Prize; explored themes of colonialism and identity; Nobel Laureate (2001). Salman Rushdie - Indian-born British author; Midnight’s Children (1981) won the Booker Prize and Booker of Bookers; a landmark in magical realism. Paul Scott - British novelist; Staying On (1977) won the Booker Prize; a sequel to The Raj Quartet, depicting British India’s decline. J. G. Farrell - Anglo-Irish writer; The Siege of Krishnapur (1973) won the Booker Prize; a historical novel on the 1857 Indian Rebellion.

Explanation

"Top Slip" serves as the primary tourist hub within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. This national park, located in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, lies within the southern expanse of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, nestled amidst the Annamalai mountain range. The name "Top Slip" has its roots in a historical logging practice during British rule. Timber extracted from the forest was transported downhill to the plains using a canal system. This method of timber transport, known locally as "slipping," was carried out at this particular location, giving rise to its distinctive name. Today, Top Slip is renowned for its sightings of elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and a variety of bird species. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Simlipal National Park (Odisha): A tiger reserve and biosphere reserve, home to Bengal tigers, elephants, and orchids, located in the Eastern Ghats. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Famous for Periyar Lake and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, known for its elephant population and boat safaris. Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary (Telangana): A wetland sanctuary along the Manjira River, known for migratory birds, marsh crocodiles, and freshwater turtles.

Explanation

Reserves of diamond-bearing Kimberlite rocks have been discovered in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh in the recent past. Kimberlite is an igneous rock that often contains diamonds, and its presence indicates the possibility of diamond deposits. These discoveries are part of the Mainpur Kimberlite Field, which has been extensively explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Explanation

The Servarayan Hills, also known as the anglicised ‘Shevaroy Hills’, are a prominent mountain range in Tamil Nadu. Located near the city of Salem, these hills form a significant part of the southern section of the Eastern Ghats. The name ‘Servarayan’ is derived from a local deity worshipped in the region, reflecting the cultural significance of these mountains. Spanning 400 sq. km, they feature lush forests, coffee plantations, and diverse flora and fauna. The hills are home to Yercaud, a popular hill station, and the Shevaroy Temple, situated at the highest peak (1,620 m). The region is known for its panoramic views, trekking trails, and unique biodiversity, including endemic species like Neelakurinji and shield-tail snakes. The hills also host bauxite deposits and fruit orchards.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Red Panda is naturally found in the Eastern Himalayas and not in the Western Himalayas. The red panda, a small arboreal mammal, is native to the temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas, spanning from Nepal, Bhutan, and India to southwestern China. Its distribution includes parts of southern Tibet, Sikkim, Assam, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, and the Hengduan and Gongshan Mountains of south-western China. The species thrives in temperate forests with dense bamboo undergrowth at elevations of 2,000-4,300 meters. Fig: Red Panda

Statement 2 is correct: The slow loris, a primate, inhabits South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Northeast In-dia across Indochina, eastward to Southeast Asia, and southward to Java, encompassing Borneo, Sumatra, and numerous smaller islands. While both species share a portion of their geographical range in Northeast India, their overall distributions differ significantly, with the red panda primarily confined to the Himalayas and the slow loris widespread across Southeast Asia. Fig: Slow Loris

Explanation

The song "Amar Sonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal) was written by Tagore in 1905 during the Swadeshi Movement, which was a protest against the partition of Bengal by the British colonial government. The song was a rallying cry for unity and resistance against colonial rule. The song’s emotional appeal and patriotic fervor made it immensely popular among Bengalis. It later became the national anthem of Bangladesh after the country’s liberation in 1971.