Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Saraswati Mahal Library (3) - Located in Thanjavur, it is one of the oldest libraries in India, known for its rare palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (2) - Located in Dharamshala, it preserves Tibetan literature, Buddhist scriptures, and historical documents. Raza Library (4) - Situated in Rampur, it houses a vast collection of Indo-Islamic manuscripts, rare books, and miniature paintings. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library (1) - Located in Patna, it is renowned for its extensive collection of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu manuscripts.

Explanation

Transchart is the chartering wing of the Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India. It handles the hiring of foreign and Indian flag vessels for transporting cargo for public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government departments. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth movement of bulk cargo like crude oil, fertilizers, and food grains.

Explanation

The Konkan Railway runs through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, but not Kerala. Statements (a), (c), and (d) are correct:

Its total length is approximately 760 km, stretching from Roha in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. It is a significant railway project as it cuts across the Western Ghats, making it a vital link between the coastal and interior regions. The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) was established and raised funds through public issues to finance its construction.

Explanation

Chakrata (Uttarakhand, formerly Uttar Pradesh) - A hill station known for its serene landscapes and adventure activities. Haflong (Assam) - The only hill station in Assam, famous for its beautiful valleys and tribal culture. Kalimpong (West Bengal) - A scenic hill station in the eastern Himalayas, known for its Buddhist monasteries and flower nurseries. Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) - A popular winter destination near Shimla, known for skiing and snow activities.

Explanation

Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, with over 900 million native speakers and more than 1.1 billion total speakers. It is the official language of China and Taiwan and is widely spoken in Singapore and other Chinesespeaking communities worldwide.

Explanation

Pair (d) is correctly matched: Mukna (Manipur) - A traditional wrestling sport in Manipur, often performed during festive occasions and cultural events, showcasing physical strength and agility. Pair (a) is incorrectly matched: Korku (Madhya Pradesh) - A tribal dance performed by the Korku tribe, mainly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, often celebrating harvest and festivals. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Jhummar (Punjab/Rajasthan) - A graceful and rhythmic dance performed primarily by men in Punjab and Rajasthan, often accompanied by dhol and other traditional instruments. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: Thali (Rajasthan) - A Rajasthani folk dance where performers balance multiple brass plates (thalis) on their heads, demonstrating skill and coordination.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1996, specifies that a person convicted of the offence of insulting the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India is disqualified from contesting elections for six years from the date of conviction.

Statement 2 is correct: The security deposit amount for candidates contesting elections was increased to discourage non-serious candidates.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The law does not restrict a candidate from contesting elections from more than one Parliamentary constituency, but if a candidate wins both, they must vacate one.

Statement 4 is correct: The amendment removed the provision requiring elections to be countermanded in the event of the death of a contesting candidate, ensuring that the electoral process is not delayed. The only exception would be if the candidate had already secured the maximum number of votes.

Explanation

Cauvery River - Mettur Dam (Tamil Nadu): Built in 1934, it supports irrigation and hydroelectric power. Other dams include Krishnarajasagara, Kallanai, and Kabini. Krishna River - Almatti Dam (Karnataka): Part of the Upper Krishna Project, aiding irrigation and power. Other dams: Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, and Tungabhadra. Narmada River - Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat):

Supplies water to multiple states. Other dams: Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar. Chambal River - Gandhi Sagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh):

A gravity dam (1960) for irrigation and power. Other dams:

Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, and Kota Barrage.

Explanation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Statement 1 is Correct: The Chairman of the NHRC must be a retired Chief Justice of India, as per the original Act. However, the 2019 amendment provided that a person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While State Human Rights Commissions exist, they are not present in every state; their establishment depends on state governments.

Statement 3 is Correct: The powers of the NHRC are primarily recommendatory in nature. It can suggest measures for relief or improvement, but its recommendations are not legally binding.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: There is no mandatory provision in the original Act requiring the appointment of a woman as a member of the NHRC. However The 2019 act amends this to allow at least one member to be a woman.

Explanation

The Water (Cess) Act, 1977: This act is aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of water resources. It imposes a cess on water consumed by industries to promote efficient water usage, indirectly contributing to environmental protection. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: This act focuses on the preservation and protection of forests in India. It prevents the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, which helps in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991: This act ensures that industries that deal with hazardous substances have insurance to compensate victims of accidents, promoting environmental and public safety. The Port Laws Amendment Act, 1997: This act deals with port management and administration but does not have a direct focus on environmental protection or conservation.