UPSC 2005 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In September 2004, Tropical Storm Jeanne unleashed torrential rains over Haiti, triggering catastrophic flooding and mudslides that devastated the nation. The storm’s impact was particularly severe in Gonaïves, Haiti’s third-largest city, where a 9-foot wall of water inundated the area, leading to widespread destruction.

Explanation

The Sahariya tribe, recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), primarily inhabits the Baran district of Rajasthan, especially in the Shahabad and Kishanganj tehsils. They also reside in parts of Madhya Pradesh, including Morena, Sheopur, Bhind, Gwalior, Datia, Shivpuri, Vidisha, and Guna districts.

Explanation

A. Guenter Grass - 2. Nobel Prize Winner for Literature (1999) for his exceptional literary contributions. B. Trevor Huddleston - 3. Anti-apartheid activist, dedicated to opposing apartheid in South Africa. C. Dicky Dolma - 4. Youngest woman to climb Mount Everest at 19 years old. D. Kim Campbell - 1. First female Prime Minister of Canada (June-November 1993).

Explanation

The Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878 by Lord Lytton to curb the growing influence of Indian-language newspapers that were critical of British rule. It imposed strict controls on the press, particularly targeting vernacular (Indian-language) publications. However, Lord Ripon, who succeeded Lytton as Viceroy, repealed the Act in 1882, marking a significant step towards promoting press freedom and reducing colonial censorship in India.

Explanation

Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of the Revolt of 1857, belonged to Jagdispur, located in present-day Bihar. He was a key figure in the rebellion and is remembered for his bravery and leadership despite being in his 80s at the time of the revolt. Other prominent leaders:

Leader of 1857 Revolt Location Mangal Pandey Barrackpore Bahadur Shah Zafar Delhi General Bakht Khan Delhi Tantia tope Kanpur Azimullah Kanpur Begum Hazrat Mahal Lucknow Maulvi Ahmadullah Faizabad

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.