UPSC 2003 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), located in Kochi, Kerala. It was established in 1972 and is India’s largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility. It builds large commercial ships, naval vessels, and aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier). CSL, the first Greenfield and most modern shipbuilding yard in India, has an enviable reputation for building high quality ships.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The First Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the names of states and specifies their territories. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect: The Second Schedule contains provisions regarding the salaries and allowances of various constitutional office holders. The Third Schedule lists the forms of oaths and affirmations for constitutional offices. Fourth Schedule details the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha among the states and union territories.

Explanation

National Sugar Institute (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh) - A premier institute in India for research, training, and education in sugar technology, engineering, and alcohol production. Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (Hyderabad, Telangana) - A public sector enterprise specializing in the production of special metals and alloys for defense, space, and atomic energy sectors. Institute of Military Law (Kamptee, Maharashtra) - Provides legal education and training to military personnel on military law, court-martial procedures, and legal affairs in the armed forces. (Now, it has been shifted to Delhi). Institute of National Integration (Pune, Maharashtra) - Focuses on fostering national unity and integration within the Indian Army by promoting cultural and linguistic harmony among personnel.

Explanation

Amrita Patel (National Dairy Development Board - NDDB) - Played a key role in India’s dairy revolution and was the chairperson of NDDB, driving initiatives for dairy development. Anu Aga (Thermax Limited) - Former chairperson of Thermax, a leading engineering company specializing in energy and environment solutions. Mallika Srinivasan (Tractors and Farm Equipment - TAFE) - Chairperson and CEO of TAFE, one of the largest manufacturers of tractors and agricultural machinery in India. Priya Paul (Park Hotels) - A prominent businesswoman and chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, known for the luxury hotel chain "The Park."

Explanation

Dilip Kaur Tiwana was a Punjabi writer known for her novels and short stories. She made significant contributions to Punjabi literature, highlighting social and gender issues. She received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971 for the novel Eho Hamara Jeevna (This our life, 1969).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Shimla Agreement (1972) was signed between Indira Gandhi (India) and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistan), it emphasized maintaining the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Lahore Summit took place in 1999, not 1997. It was held between Atal Bihari Vajpayee (India) and Nawaz Sharif (Pakistan).

Statement 3 is incorrect: Islamabad Summit (1989) was held between Rajiv Gandhi (India) and Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan), not Nawaz Sharif.

Explanation

Debenture holders are creditors of a company as they lend money to the company in exchange for a fixed interest rate over a specified period. Unlike shareholders, they do not hold ownership rights but receive priority during liquidation over equity holders. Debentures are issued to raise long-term capital and are generally backed by the company’s assets or revenue-gener-ating ability. Unlike equity shareholders, debenture holders do not have voting rights in company decisions.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is false: Electron affinity generally decreases as you move down a group due to increasing atomic radii and weaker nuclear attraction for the incoming electron. Additional electron shells increase the shielding effect, further reducing effective nuclear pull. Reason (R) is true: As you go down a group, additional electron shells are added, making the atomic radius increase. This is because the outermost electrons are farther from the nucleus, and the shielding effect from inner electrons increases. Directions: The following Items consist of two statements. One labeled as the ‘Assertion (A)’ and the other as ’Reason (R)’. You have to answer these items using the code given below:(2003)

Explanation

Survey of India, the oldest scientific department under the Department of Science & Technology, was established in 1767. As the principal mapping agency, it ensures India’s domain is accurately mapped, providing base maps for development and resource utilization to support the country’s progress and security. The Department of Science & Technology which operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology, promotes science and technology in India, from high-end research and cutting-edge technology development to addressing the technological needs of the common man through skill development.

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct: The Press Council of India is a statutory quasi-judicial autonomous authority re- established in the year 1966 under an Act of Parliament, Press Council Act, 1965. Statement (b) is correct: The PIB accredits media representatives, including foreign media, at the Headquarters, enabling them to access information from government sources. Statement (c) is incorrect: Uttar Pradesh publishes the largest number of newspapers in India. Statement (d) is correct: Currently, PTI commands more than 50% per cent of news agency market share in India.