Indian Panorama (UPSC) Part-I

Total Questions: 50

11. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? [1999]

Correct Answer: (d) Sunil M. Gavaskar: Highest aggregate of runs in Test Cricket
Solution:The record of highest aggregate runs in Test Cricket of Sunil Manohar Govaskar was broken by Alan Border.As per the recent data:
NameRecord
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela JayawardeneHighest partnership in an innings in Test Cricket (2006)
Sachin TendulkarHighest aggregate of runs in Test Cricket

12. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [1999]

List-IList-II
A. Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar1. Introduced the scheme of Raga classification of Indian music
B. Venkatamahi2. Proponent of Carnatic music
C. Shyama Shastri3. Proponent of the Khayal form of Hindustani music
D. Amir Khusrau4. Wrote the music for the song ‘Vande Mataram’

Codes:

ABCD
(a)4132
(b)4123
(c)1432
(d)1423
Correct Answer: (b)
Solution:A. Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar - Wrote the music for the song "Vande Mataram'.
B. Venkatamahi Introduced the scheme of Raga classification of Indian music
C. Shyama Shastri - Proponent of Carnatic music
D. Amir Khusrau Proponent of the Khayal form of Hindustani music

13. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [1999]

List-I (Writers)List-II (Books)
A. Sashi Tharoor1. Clear Light of Day
B. Amitav Ghosh2. Circle of Reason
C. Anita Desai3. Love and Longing in Bombay
D. Vikram Chandra4. Show Business

Codes:

OptionABCD
(a)4213
(b)4231
(c)2433
(d)2431
Correct Answer: (a)
Solution:Shashi Tharoor is the writer of "Show Business, Amitabha Ghosh wrote "Circle of Reason", Anita Desai wrote "Clear light of Day" and Vikram Chandra wrote" Love and longing in Bombay". These were best selling novels of 1998,

14. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [1999]

List I (Libraries)List II (Location)
A. Saraswati Mahal Library1. Patna
B. Library to Tibetan Work and Archives2. Dharamshala
C. Raza Library3. Thanjavur
D. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library4. Rampur

Codes:

OptionABCD
(a)3241
(b)3214
(c)2314
(d)2341
Correct Answer: (a)
Solution:
LibrariesLocationState
A. Saraswati Mahal LibraryThanjavurTamil Nadu
B. Library to Tibetan works and ArchivesDharamshalaHimachal Pradesh
C. Raza LibraryRampurUttar Pradesh
D. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public LibraryPatnaBihar

15. Transchart is the: [1999]

Correct Answer: (a) chartering wing of the Minister of Surface Transport
Solution:Transchart is the chartering wing of the Minister of Surface Transport. This wing also looks after trading through ships by private sectors.

Core Function and Purpose

  • Chartering Services: Transchart is responsible for making shipping arrangements for all government-controlled cargo (both dry and liquid) on behalf of various Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
  • Indian Tonnage Support: A primary mandate is to give preference to Indian-flag vessels if they are available at competitive market rates, thereby supporting the domestic shipping industry.
  • Cargo Types: It handles a diverse range of government cargo including fertilizers, coal, petroleum products, and food grains.

Strategic Significance

  •  Self-Reliance: It was established in 1960 to ensure the timely arrival of strategically important cargo, especially during emergencies or war-like situations.
  • Foreign Exchange Savings: By centralizing chartering, the government aims to retain shipping control in India and save foreign exchange.
  • Research Assistance: It provides specialized assistance for chartering vessels for Indian Antarctic Expeditions and other oceanographic research projects.

16. Which one of the following statements is not true of the Konkan Railway? [1999]

Correct Answer: (d) The Konkan Railway Construction Company which came into being raised money through public issues.
Solution:Konkan Railway was the missing link between India's commercial capital Mumbai and Manglore. This railway line connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka State. 49% equity is from four states governments of Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka and 51% of equity of Konkan Railway corporation.

Key Facts about Indian Railways

  1. Extensive Network: With over 68,000 km of track, Indian Railways is the 4th largest railway network globally, after the US, Russia, and China, making it a crucial backbone for national transport.
  2. Massive Passenger Traffic: Serving approximately 23 million passengers daily, Indian Railways is vital in connecting remote regions and urban centers, contributing to economic and social mobility.
  3. Efficient Freight Movement: So far in this financial year (FY25), freight volumes reached 906.9 MT, marking a 2.2% increase, with significant growth in container (7.7%) and miscellaneous goods and clinker traffic (7%).
  4. High Electrification: 97% of broad-gauge lines are electrified, reflecting Indian Railways’ commitment to sustainability and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
  5. Targeted Freight Share: The government aims to increase the freight share from 35% to 45% by 2030, in line with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
  6. Rail Safety: Consequential rail accidents have dropped by 80% from 2016-21, a testament to ongoing safety measures. However, over 95% of accidents are still attributed to driver errors, indicating the need for more focused driver training and technological interventions.

17. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [1999]

List-I (Resorts)List-II (States)
A. Chakrata1. Assam
B. Haflong2. West Bengal
C. Kalimpong3. Uttar Pradesh
D. Kufri4. Himachal Pradesh

Codes:

OptionABCD
(a)1324
(b)3142
(c)3124
(d)1342
Correct Answer: (c)
Solution:Chakrata holiday resort is situated in Uttarakhand. Haflong resort is present in Assam, Kalimpong resort is present in West Bengal and Kufri resort is present in Himachal Pradesh.

18. The language spoken by the largest number of people of the world is. [1999]

Correct Answer: (c) Mandarin
Solution:Mandarin is spoken in people's Republic of China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malayasia, some part of United States. This language covers 885 million people. English is spoken by 500 million people.

India’s rich cultural diversity has led to no single language as the National Language of India. Hindi, spoken by less than 44% of the population, has been a topic of discussion for years regarding its recognition as the official language, but no consensus has been reached. As per the Indian Constitution, no language holds the title of the National Language of India. However, for official communication at the national level, both Hindi and English have been designated as the official languages.

19. Which one of the following pairs of folk dance forms and states and correctly matched? [1999]

Correct Answer: (c) Thali : : Himachal Pradesh
Solution:Thali is the folk dance of Rajasthan, not the folk dance of Himachal Pradesh.
Some of the famous folk dances of India acroes various states are mentioned below
StateFolk dances
Andhra PradeshBhamakalpam and Kolattam
Arunachal PradeshWancho
AssamBihu, Naga dance
BiharJata-jatin
ChhattisgarhGaur Maria, Kapalik
GujaratGarba, Dandiya Raas and Bhavai
GoaTarangamel, Koli
HaryanaJhumar, Phag
Himachal PradeshJhora, Dhaman
Jammu & KashmirKud Dandi Nach
JharkhandAgni, Jhumar
KarnatakaYakshagana, Karga
KeralaOttam Thullal
MaharashtraLavani, Koli
Madhya PradeshJawara, Matki
ManipurThang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom
MeghalayaNongkrem
MizoramZangtalam, Chailam
NagalandBamboo Dance, Rangma
OdishaSavari, Ghumara
PunjabBhangra, Giddha
RajasthanGhumar, Kalbelia
Tamil NaduKumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
UPNautanki, Raslila
UttarakhandGarhwali, Kumayuni

20. Match the areas shown as A, B, C and D on the given map showing with the largest religious minorities. Select the correct answer using the codes given below the list of minorities: [1999]

1. Buddhist

2. Christians

3. Jains

4. Muslims

5. Sikhs

OptionABCD
(a)5132
(b)4321
(c)5312
(d)4213
Correct Answer: (c)
Solution:'A' marked area in the given map is Punjab and Haryana, where Sikhs as the largest religious minorities.
'B' marked area denoted part of Rajasthan and Gujarat, where Jains are the largest religious minority.
'C' marked area denoted Sanchi area of Madhya Pradesh, where Buddhist are the religious minority.
'D' refers the part of Andhra Pradesh where Christians are religious minority.