Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Chittor (located in present-day Rajasthan) was not strongly affected by the Revolt of 1857. The revolt had a strong impact on regions like Jhansi, Jagdishpur, and Lucknow, where prominent leaders such as Rani Lakshmibai, Kunwar Singh, and Begum Hazrat Mahal played significant roles in the rebellion. However, Chittor remained largely untouched by the uprising. Major Centers affected by Revolt of 1857:

Explanation

The Indian Constitution provides for High Courts for each state (Article 214) but Article 231 also enables the Parliament to establish common HC for multiple states and UTs. The number of High Courts went from 24 to 25 after establishment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Amaravati in 2019.

Statement 1 is incorrect: In 2005 there were only 24 HCs.

Statement 2 is correct: Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh share the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is located in Chandigarh.

Statement 3 is correct: The National Capital Territory of Delhi is served by its own High Court, the Delhi High Court, which has jurisdiction exclusively over Delhi.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India, established under Article 124 of the Constitution, came into existence on January 26, 1950. It initially operated from the old Parliament House.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 138 of the Indian Constitution provides that Parliament may, by law, extend the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Statement 2 is correct: According to Article 146 for the Supreme Court and Article 229 for High Courts of the Constitution, the Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of that high Court respectively, Chief Justice has the power to appoint officers and servants of the court. Their administrative expenses of the supreme court are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

Explanation

Lok Adalats. established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, are a key mechanism for resolving disputes through amicable settlements. They address a broad spectrum of cases, including consumer disputes, such as those with mobile cellular companies, which are commonly resolved due to their potential for quick compromise. Additionally, Lok Adalats frequently handle motor accident compensation claims under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as they involve monetary settlements that can be resolved without prolonged litigation. Pension-related disputes, often involving retired government employees, are also taken up to ensure timely resolution and delivery of justice to senior citizens. These cases, being non-complex in nature and suitable for settlement, are ideally suited for Lok Adalats, which aim to reduce the burden on regular courts while providing cost-effective and speedy justice to litigants.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a key figure in the Bengali Renaissance, played a significant role in the development of women’s education in India. While he was associated with the Bethune School, which was founded by J.E.D. Bethune in 1849, Vidyasagar’s efforts greatly contributed to the promotion of female education in Bengal. Hence, the statement is correct in associating him with this cause.

Statement 2 is correct: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was one of the early notable figures of Indian literature. The first graduate of Calcutta University was actually Bankim Chandra and he received his degree in 1858.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While Keshav Chandra Sen was a prominent social reformer who campaigned against Sati, it was Raja Ram Mohan Roy whose efforts led to the enactment of the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829, which banned the practice of Sati. The law was passed by Governor-General William Bentinck.

Explanation

Fabianism is a socialist movement that advocates for gradual reforms through parliamentary means, as opposed to revolutionary methods. It was developed by the Fabian Society in the UK, where ideas of democratic socialism were promoted. Annie Besant was a prominent member of the Fabian Society and played a key role in advocating for Fabian principles, which aimed at social reform and the creation of a welfare state. Her efforts were crucial in spreading the ideas of Fabianism through her writings and political activism. Annie Besant popularized the Theosophical Society in among Indians. Through her constant efforts and generous contributions from a few wealthy Indians, she opened the Central Hindu College at Benares in 1898, with Dr. Arthur Richardson as its principal.

Explanation

Subhash Chandra Bose founded the All India Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning from the presidency of the Indian National Congress due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders. The Forward Bloc was a left-wing nationalist political party aimed at consolidating the radical forces within the Congress and achieving complete independence for India. It’s moto was "All Power to the Indian People". It mobilized youth, workers, and farmers for direct action against British rule. It mainly attracted radical nationalists, socialists, and workers who were dissatisfied with Congress’ moderate policies.

Explanation

Statement (1) is correct: Part IX for Panchayats, Part IXA for Municipalities, and provisions under the 74th Amendment Act, 1992. Part IX of the Constitution, introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, contains provisions for Panchayats, detailing their composition, powers, and functioning under Articles 243 to 243O.

Statement (2) is incorrect: Part IXA of the Constitution, introduced by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992, governs Municipalities. However, Article 243Q does not envisage just two types of municipalities. It provides for three types:

Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas.

Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas.

Nagar Panchayats for areas transitioning from rural to urban.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: VSNL was originally a government-owned telecom company and was later acquired by the Tata Group (not Bharti Group) in 2002. It was later renamed Tata Communications in 2008.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Mundra SEZ (Special Economic Zone) is developed by the Adani Group in Gujarat. It is one of India’s largest commercial and industrial hubs.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) acquired a majority stake in CMC Ltd in 2001 and fully merged it into TCS in 2015.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: IPCL was originally a public sector company but was acquired by Reliance Industries in 2002. Later, in 2007 it was merged with Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).

Explanation

Gandhi Sagar Dam is a crucial part of the Chambal River Project, a major hydroelectric and irrigation project in In-dia. This project involves a series of dams built on the Chambal River, and Gandhi Sagar Dam is one of the key components. The dam is located in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh and serves multiple purposes.