UPSC 2007 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Strait of Dover is the strait through which the Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel) connects the United Kingdom and France. The Channel Tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, is an underwater rail tunnel that connects Folkestone (UK) with Cal-ais (France) beneath the Strait of Dover in the English Channel. The tunnel is about 50.45 km (31.35 miles) long, with a 37.9 km (23.5 miles) underwater section, making it one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Davis Strait: Located between Greenland and Canada’s Baffin Island, it connects the Labrador Sea to Baffin Bay. Known as the world’s broadest strait, it has depths of 1,000-2,000 meters and fierce tides. It is significant for Arctic navigation and holds potential oil and gas reserves. Denmark Strait: Separating Greenland and Iceland, it connects the Arctic Ocean to the Atlantic. It features the Denmark Strait Cataract, the world’s largest underwater waterfall, formed by cold Arctic water plunging beneath warmer Atlantic water. Strait of Gibraltar: This narrow strait connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, separating Spain and Morocco. At its narrowest, it is 8 miles wide. It is vital for global trade and features unique water flow dynamics due to differing salinity levels.

Explanation

The Amazon River is the longest river among the given options. The Amazon River flows through South America, mainly in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It has the largest discharge volume of any river in the world. Some sources debate whether the Amazon or the Nile is the longest river, but in this set of options, Amazon is the longest. Comparison of the approximate lengths of the given rivers:

Amazon River: 6,992 km (4,345 miles)(approximately) Amur River: 4,444 km (2,763 miles) Congo River: 4,700 km (2,922 miles) Lena River: 4,400 km (2,736 miles)

Explanation

The largest coral reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef, which is located off the coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km (1,400 miles) along the north-east coast of Australia in the Coral Sea. It consists of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is visible from space and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial ecosystem, home to diverse marine life.

Explanation

Glenn McGrath, with 563 wickets in 124 matches, was the leading fast-bowling wicket-taker. Wasim Akram (414 wickets in 104 Tests) and Richard Hadlee (431 wickets in 86 Tests) were among the greatest fast bowlers. Courtney Walsh became the first bowler to cross 500 wickets, finishing with 519 in 132 Tests.

Explanation

Parimarjan Negi is a renowned Indian chess grandmaster. He became a Grandmaster (GM) in 2006 at the age of 13 years and 4 months, making him the youngest Indian to achieve the GM title at that time.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL), also known as Vizag Steel, is a prominent integrated steel producer located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. By the year 2007, RINL had been granted "Mini Ratna" status by the Indian government. This designation recognizes the company’s strong performance and gives it greater autonomy in financial and operational decision-making.

Statement 2 is correct: In 2006, The Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), formerly an independent entity, was successfully merged with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). SAIL, a major public sector steel producer in India, undertook this merger to consolidate its operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline its production processes. The merger of IISCO with SAIL has integrated the resources and expertise of both organizations, creating a larger and more robust entity within the Indian steel sector.