UPSC 1999 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Madhya Pradesh was the first Indian state to prepare and release its Human Development Report (HDR) in 1995, under the guidance of Professor Amartya Sen.The Madhya Pradesh HDR was a pioneering effort in India, focusing on various dimensions of human development within the state, including health, education, and standard of living. The report aimed to assess and improve the well-being of its citizens by analyzing these critical areas. This initiative set a precedent for other Indian states to develop their own HDRs, contributing to a more localized understanding of human development challenges and facilitating targeted policy interventions. The Human Development Index (HDI) was introduced in 1990 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Human Development Report (HDR). It was conceptualized by economist Mahbub ul Haq and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. The HDI was created to shift the focus of development economics from purely economic growth (e.g., GDP) to a broader measure of human well-being, encompassing health, education, and living standards. It remains a key tool for assessing and comparing global development progress.

Explanation

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (4) - An influential Hindustani classical musician who composed the tune for Vande Mataram and founded Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Venkatamahi (1) - A 17th-century Carnatic musicologist who introduced the Melakarta Raga classification system, which forms the foundation of Carnatic music theory. Shyama Shastri (2)- One of the Carnatic music Trinity, known for his devotional compositions in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Tamil, emphasizing intricate rhythmic patterns. Amir Khusrau (3)- A 13th-century Sufi musician and poet who pioneered the Khayal and Qawwali styles, blending Persian and Indian musical traditions.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: In the 1990s, poverty rates among various social and religious groups in India exhibited significant disparities. Government statistics from that period indicate that the Scheduled Tribes (STs) in states such as Bihar, Odisha (formerly Orissa), Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra experienced some of the highest levels of poverty. Several factors contributed to the high poverty rates among Scheduled Tribes in these states during the 1990s:

Geographical Isolation: Many ST communities resided in remote areas, limiting their access to essential services and economic opportunities. Limited Access to Education and Healthcare: Educational and healthcare facilities were often inadequate or inaccessible, hindering human capital development. Economic Marginalization: Dependence on traditional livelihoods, coupled with limited integration into the broader economy, exacerbated economic vulnerabilities.

Explanation

Shashi Tharoor (4)- Show Business is a satirical novel that delves into the world of Bollywood, media, and Indian politics through the life of a film star-turned-politician. Amitav Ghosh (2)- The Circle of Reason is his debut novel, blending history, science, and adventure, following the journey of an Indian boy falsely accused of terrorism. Anita Desai (1)- Clear Light of Day is a poignant novel about family bonds, childhood memories, and changing relationships set in Old Delhi. Vikram Chandra (3)- Love and Longing in Bombay is a collection of five interconnected stories exploring love, loss, and identity in Mumbai’s diverse landscape.

Explanation

In India Persons Below Poverty Line(BPL) is classified based on entitlement of a prescribed food basket measured in calorie and then converted into monetary terms for easy implementation into policies and programmes. The Planning Commission constituted a task force under the chairmanship of YK Alagh in 1979 to construct a poverty line for rural and urban areas on the basis of nutritional requirements and related consumption expenditure. The expert group under Suresh Tendulkar in 2009 also followed the calorie approach based on a consumption basket but added health and education along the calorie consumption basket. Another Expert group was constituted in 2014 under C Rangarajan also followed a calorie approach but suggested adding clothing, house rent, conveyance and education, and a behaviorally determined level of other non-food expenses.

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.