UPSC 2005 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Kochi receives the highest rainfall (~3000 mm) due to the Southwest Monsoon and its proximity to the Western Ghats, making it one of the wettest cities in India. Kolkata follows with around 1600 mm of rainfall, heavily influenced by the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon, with most rain occurring between June and September. Patna, with approximately 1200 mm of annual rainfall, experiences moderate monsoon rains, though lesser than Kolkata. Delhi, receiving around 800 mm of rainfall, has a semi-arid climate, with monsoon rains but significantly lower precipitation than the other cities. Thus, the correct sequence in decreasing order of rainfall is Kochi-Kolkata-Patna-Delhi.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India has the largest postal network in the world, with more than 1.5 lakh post offices. A majority of these are in rural areas, providing essential postal and banking services.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) was incorporated in September, 2000 under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 with the objective to take over the business of providing telecom services and network of the erstwhile Department of Communications with effect from 1st October, 2000. Before that, telecom services were directly managed by the Department of Telecommunications.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was, thus, established with effect from 20th February 1997 by an Act of Parliament, called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Silent Valley National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is located in Kerala’s Western Ghats. It is not situated in the Nallamalai range. The park is known for its untouched tropical rainforest, rich bio-diversity, and ecological importance. It is home to rare species like the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, and Malabar giant squirrel. The park also has 960 plant species and 170 bird species. In the 1970s, the "Save Silent Valley" movement helped protect it. This movement stopped a hydroelectric project that threatened the park’s ecosystem. Silent Valley was declared a na-tional park in 1984.

Statement 2 is correct: The Pathrakkadavu Hydro Electric Project was proposed near the Silent Valley National Park. This proposal sparked significant environmental concerns and debate due to the potential impact on the park’s fragile ecosystem.

Statement 3 is correct: The Kunthi River, originating from the Anginda peak in the Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, is a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River. Known for its perennial flow due to its source in dense tropical rainforests, the river supports biodiversity and local communities. The river is undammed so far, preserving its natural ecosystem.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Champadevi Shukla along with Rashida Bee, won the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2004 for their activism related to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Dr. P. Sri Ramach-andrudu received the Vachaspati Puraskar which is awarded for outstanding contributions to Sanskrit literature.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ela Bhatt, founder of SEWA was honored with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics, and Management.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Upamanyu Chatterjee is a well-known Indian author and civil servant. In 2004, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for "The Mammaries of the Welfare State". However, he was never awarded the Lalit Kala Ratna Award, which is given for excellence in visual arts.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa) is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, making it easy to visit and popular with tourists. Despite its small size, it has a good variety of animals like leopards, deer, wild boars, and many birds. B is matched with 3: Kanger Valley National Park is also known as Kangerghat National Park, this park is located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The park is named after the Kanger River that flows through it. C is matched with 2: Orang National Park (Assam) is known as the "Mini Kaziranga" because it has a similar landscape and wildlife. It lies on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is home to one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and deer. D is matched with 1: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha) is covered with dry deciduous forests and is an important home for Indian elephants, along with other animals.

Explanation

Pair 1 and 3 are correctly matched:

Sportstar is an Indian sports magazine published by the Hindu Group. The Week is an Indian news magazine published by the Malayala Manorama Group.

Pair 2 and 4 are incorrectly matched:

BusinessWorld is one of India’s leading business magazines but it is not published by the ABP Group. It was initially part of the Ananda bazar Patrika (ABP) Group, but later ownership changed. Reader’s Digest (India) is published by the India Today group not Indian Express Group.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in Gujarat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, including temples, mosques, and water installations. It is renowned for the Kalika Mata Temple and its 16th-century pre-Mughal city remains.

Option 2 is correct: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, this Victorian Gothic Revival railway station blends British and Indian architectural styles. Built in 1887, it is a bustling hub and an iconic symbol of Mumbai’s heritage.

Option 3 is correct: Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) is situated in Tamil Nadu. This UNESCO site showcases 7th-8th century Pallava dynasty rock-cut temples, monolithic structures, and bas-relief sculptures like Arjuna’s Penance. The Shore Temple is its most prominent landmark.

Option 4 is correct: Sun Temple (Konark Temple) was built in the 13th century in Odisha. The Konark Sun Temple is designed as Surya’s chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses. This UNESCO site is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and Hindu symbolism.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 35,786 km(not 10,000 km) above the equator. This altitude ensures that the satellite’s orbital period matches the Earth’s rotational period, making it appear stationary from the ground.

Statement 2 is correct: FM (Frequency Modulation) is less affected by noise because noise primarily affects amplitude, not frequency. This makes FM transmission superior in quality compared to AM (Amplitude Modulation).

Explanation

A-4: Dr. B.V. Rao is regarded as the father of the Indian poultry industry. He played a crucial role in modernizing poultry farming in India. B-5: C.K. Prahalad was a well-known management thinker, famous for the concept of "The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid." He specialized in corporate strategy and management science. C-2: Dr. John Kurien is an expert in fisheries economics. He played a key role in developing India’s fisheries sector and sustainable marine policies. D-3: Kiran Karnik was the former President of NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies). He contributed significantly to the IT and software industry in India.

Explanation

The Liberhan Commission was set up by the Government of India on December 16, 1992, to investigate the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. It was led by Justice M.S. Liberhan, became one of the longest-running commissions in India’s history, taking 17 years to submit its final report in 2009.