UPSC 2009 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Cape Canaveral, also called Cape Kennedy, is a major spaceport on Florida’s east coast. It serves as the primary launch site for U.S. space missions. It was established in 1949 as a missile testing site, Cape Canaveral has played a crucial role in space exploration, evolving into a key launch site. Being positioned on a barrier island along Florida’s east coast, its coastal setting offers ideal conditions for launching spacecraft into orbit. While Virginia has NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, it is not used for space shuttle launches. North Carolina and South Carolina also lack any major spaceport like Cape Canaveral.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Australia holds the world’s largest reserves of uranium, with over 30% of the planet’s identified uranium reserves. According to the World Nuclear Association, Australia’s reserves are estimated to be over 1.7 million tonnes of uranium which makes it the leader in global uranium reserves. Major uranium mining regions in Australia include the Olympic Dam (the world’s largest single deposit of uranium) and the Ranger Mine.

Option (b) is incorrect: Canada has significant uranium re-serves but they are not the largest globally. Canada ranks second in terms of the world’s uranium reserves, with an estimated about 560,000 tonnes. Canada’s most notable uranium deposits are located in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, which is home to some of the world’s highest-grade uranium deposits.

Option (c) is incorrect: Russia’s uranium reserves are substantial but fall behind those of Australia and Canada. Russia ranks fourth in terms of uranium reserves globally. The primary deposits in Russia are located in the Trans-Ural region and parts of Siberia.

Option (d) is incorrect: The United States has notable uranium reserves but they are not the largest. The USA ranks third globally in terms of uranium reserves. The primary uranium deposits in the United States are located in states like Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas. The USA is not a major producer of uranium compared to other countries like Kazakhstan, Australia, and Canada. It relies on uranium imports to meet its needs for nuclear energy production.

Explanation

Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Pamela Jelimo is a renowned Kenyan middle-distance runner, specializing in the 800 meters. At just 18, she made history by winning the Olympic gold medal in 2008, becoming the youngest Olympic champion in the 800 meters event.

Explanation

Nicolas Anelka is a retired French professional footballer who played as a forward for several top-tier clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.

Explanation

Monte Carlo is the largest and most populous ward of the Principality of Monaco, a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera. It is famous for its casinos, luxury hotels, and yacht-lined harbor, making it a popular destination for the wealthy and famous.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Anand Pawar is an Indian badminton player who has represented India in Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, and Asian Badminton Championships.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Akhil Kumar is a renowned Indian boxer known for his "open guarded" style, winning multiple international and national awards, including the Arjuna Award in 2005.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia is an Indian professional golfer.

Explanation

In the 2008 US Open, Leander Paes won the Mixed Doubles Title partnering Cara Black from Zimbabwe. They defeated Liezel Huber (USA) and Jamie Murray (UK) with a score of 7-6(8-6), 6-4.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Putrajaya is a planned city that serves as the administrative capital of Malaysia. It was developed to relieve congestion in Kuala Lumpur, the official capital, and houses many government ministries and agencies. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Kota Bharu: Kota Bharu, the capital of the state of Kelantan in northeastern Malaysia, is a city with a rich cultural heritage. While Kota Bharu is an important city within Malaysia, it does not hold the status of the federal administrative center. Kuala Terengganu: Kuala Terengganu, the capital of the state of Terengganu on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is a city with a long maritime history. Its location on the South China Sea has shaped its development as a port city and a center for fishing and shipbuilding. While Kuala Terengganu plays a vital role in the regional economy and culture, it is not the administrative capital of Malaysia. Taiping: Taiping, a historic town located in the state of Perak in northwestern Peninsular Malaysia, holds a significant place in Malaysian history. During the British colonial era, Taiping was an important tin mining center, and its influence can still be seen in the town’s architecture and layout. Taiping is also known for its natural beauty, including the Taiping Lake Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in Malaysia. While Taiping has a rich history and cultural significance, it does not serve as the federal administrative center of the country.