UPSC 2003 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per RBI guidelines, Indian promoters were allowed to hold up to 40% in private sector banks, not 49%. This limit was subject to gradual dilution over time as per RBI regulations.

Statement 2 is correct: In 2001, the Government of India allowed FDI up to 49% in private sector banks under the automatic route. However, the total foreign investment limit, including FDI, FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors), and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), was capped at 74%.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The book "New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy" was authored by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who served as India’s Prime Minister, delivered a series of speeches and statements outlining India’s foreign policy direction. The book compiles these speeches, providing insights into India’s diplomatic strategy, international relations, and global positioning during his tenure. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Jaswant Singh: A prominent Indian politician and diplomat, Jaswant Singh authored "Jinnah: India-Partition-Independence". P.C. Alexander: An Indian civil servant and politician, P.C. Alexander wrote "Through the Corridors of Power: An Insider’s Story". Yashwant Sinha: Former Finance Minister, Yashwant Sinha authored "India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy".

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Yash Chopra, the legendary filmmaker, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001. He was known for directing and producing some of Bollywood’s most romantic and dramatic films, such as Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and Veer-Zaara (2004). Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect Lata Mangeshkar - She received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989. Ramanand Sagar - Not a recipient of this award. Dev Anand -He was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002.

Explanation

In 2002, N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, was honored with the National Award for Excellence in Public Administration and Management Science by the President of India. This award recognized his significant contributions to the Indian IT industry, corporate governance, and ethical business practices.

Explanation

Sandeep Pandey, a social activist and co-founder of Asha for Education, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2002 for his work in education and livelihood projects for Dalits and marginalized communities.

Explanation

C.P. Jain (NTPC) - Former Chairman of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), played a key role in India’s power sector development. S. Ramadorai (TCS) - Served as CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), instrumental in making it a global IT powerhouse. Sunil Arora (Indian Airlines) - Held key leadership roles in Indian Airlines, contributing to its management and operations. Vivek Paul (Wipro Technologies) - Former Vice Chairman of Wipro Technologies, significantly expanded its global IT services.

Explanation

In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed the "Delhi Declaration" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening India-Russia strategic partnership and cooperation in defense, trade, and global security.

Explanation

The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2002 was awarded to Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for her efforts in humanitarian work and refugee protection worldwide.

Explanation

The EXIM (Export-Import) Policy of India was revised to be more liberal and market-oriented to encourage global trade. This was influenced by international trade agreements and reforms under GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), which played a major role in the liberalization of economies worldwide by reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade. Thus, GATT’s influence explains the shift in India’s EXIM policy.

Explanation

Statement (1) is incorrect: While India’s software exports did grow rapidly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a 60% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over five years is an overestimation. The growth rate was high but not consistently at that level.

Statement (2) is correct: The software and service industry in India did register around 28% growth in rupee terms during 2001-2002, as reported by NASSCOM and other industry sources.