Indian Panorama (UPSC) Part-I

Total Questions: 50

31. Consider the following statements regarding the Chakiarkoothu form of dance: [2000]

1. It is performed by Chakiar caste

2. It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the higher caster Hindus

3. Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument

4. Its theatre form is called Koothambalam

Which of these statements are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4
Solution:

• Chakyar Koothu is a Kerala traditional dance form that is performed in temples.
• Chakyar Koothu was originally only performed in Hindu temple Koothambalam. It’s a sophisticated monologue in which the artist relates scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Chakyar is a title assigned to those who give expression to honourable remarks, according to Kottarathil Sankunni, a well-known author of Kerala myths and tales.
• Those who converted from Buddhism to Vedic Hinduism were known as "Slakyars."
• Another possibility is that Chakyar is a variant of the term 'Chakyan.' These interpretations and descriptions are still arbitrary and dependent on guesswork

32. The earlier name of the WTO was: [2001]

Correct Answer: (b) GATT
Solution:GATT General agreement on tariff and trade. GATT came into force on 1 Jan 1948 with HQ at Geneva. WTO was set up as a result of aid from 8th round of GATT talks (Uruguay round, 1986-93). WTO was formed on 1 Jan 1995 at Marrakesh, Morocco.
Why did the WTO replace GATT?
• The GATT was intended to be a provisional agreement and not an organisation. Conversely, the WTO has both an institutional and a regulatory dimension.
• It didn’t cover trade-in services, Intellectual Property Rights, etc. Its main focus was on the Textile and agriculture sectors.
• A robust Dispute Resolution Mechanism was absent.
• It was seen as a body meant to promote the interests of the West by developing countries. This was because the Geneva Treaty of 1946, where GATT was signed, had no representation from newly independent states and socialist states.
• Under GATT, countries failed to curb quantitative restrictions on trade. (Non-Tariff barriers)

33. The location of the space organisation units have been marked in the given map as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match these units with the list given below and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2001]

A. I.S.R.O

B. I.I.R.S.

C. N.R.S.A

D. S.A.C.

OptionABCD
(a)4123
(b)1432
(c)1432
(d)4132
Correct Answer: (d)
Solution:ISRO is situated in Banglore, which is marked as '4. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) is located in Dehradun which is marked as 'l', National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) is situated in Hyderabad, marked as '3' and Space Application Centre (SAC) is situated in Ahmedabad which is marked as '2' in the map.

34. The largest number of Buddhist is found in: [2001]

Correct Answer: (c) Maharashtra
Solution:
Maharashtra is the state where 6.39% of population is Buddhist. They are 5.84 million Buddhists found in Maharashtra according to 2001 census. It is 73,5% of total Buddhist population.

Buddhism arose in the 6th century BCE in the Gangetic plain during a time of second urbanisation and social changes in India. As Buddha’s teachings resonated with people discontented with Vedic rituals and caste system, Buddhism quickly spread across northern India. Political and economic support by merchants and artisans fostered Buddhist growth. Further, under the Mauryas, Buddhism expanded both in India and outside. Doctrinal debates within Buddhism led to the emergence of major schools like Theravada and Mahayana.

Buddhism started to decline due to many socio-political factors. Its decline started with the Gupta dynasty, and by the 12th century CE, it almost disappeared in India; however, it continued to thrive in other Asian countries.

35. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I [2001]

List-I (Institutes)List-II (Location)
A. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants1. Chandigarh
B. Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics2. Hyderabad
C. Institute of Microbial Technology3. New Delhi
D. National Institute of Immunology4. Lucknow
OptionABCD
(a)2413
(b)4213
(c)2431
(d)4231
Correct Answer: (b)
Solution:The central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic plants is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh center for DNA finger printing and diagnosis is located in Hyderabad of Andhra pradesh, Institute of Microbial technology is situated in Chandigrah and National Institute of Immunology is located in New Delhi.

36. Consider the following statements about the minorities India: [2001]

1. The Government of India has notified five communities, namely, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoro astrians as Minorities

2. The National Commission for Minorities was given statutory status in 1993

3. The smallest religious minority in India are the Zoroastrians

4. The Constitution of India recognizes and protects religious and linguistic minorities

Which of these statements are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 & 4
Solution:As per current data, The following communities have been notified as minority communities by the Government of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs; Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Jains.
The first statutory National Commission was set up on 17th May 1993.
Jains form the smallest religious minority in India.

37. Consider the following organizations: [2001]

1. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration

2. Heavy Water Board

3. Indian Rare Earths Limited

4. Uranium Corporation of India

Which of these is/are under the Department of Atomic Energy?

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 & 4
Solution:All the four organisations are under the department of Atomic energy.

• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up on August 3, 1954, under the direct charge of thePrime Minister through a Presidential Order.
• As per this order, all businesses of the Government of India related to atomic energy and to the functions of the Central Government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1948, were directed to be transacted in the DAE.
• DAE encompasses all the areas related to power and non-power applications of atomic energy.
• The Department has the mandate of development of nuclear power technology which includes exploration, identification and processing of uranium resources and atomic minerals, fabrication of nuclear fuel, production of heavy water, construction and operation of nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel reprocessing and waste management.
• DAE is also responsible for research and development of fast reactors and fusion technologies, accelerator and laser technology, advanced electronics and instrumentation, materials science, biological sciences, etc.
• As part of non-power applications of atomic energy, the Department carries out cutting-edge research and development for the application of isotopes and radiation technologies for health care, food & agriculture, industry, and the environment.

38. Consider the following statements regarding the armed forces: [2001]

1. First batch of women pilots was commissioned in Indian Air Force in 1996

2. Officers' Training Academy is located in Nagpur

3. Southern Command of Indian Navy has it headquarters at Chennai

4. One of the Regional Headquarters of Coast Guard is located at Port Blair

Which of these statements are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) 4 only
Solution:Officer's Training Academy (OTA) is located in Chennai and Gaya. The Southern command of Indian navy has its headquarters at cochin not in Chennai. The Regional Headquarters of coast Guard are located at Mumbai, Chennai and Port Blair. The First batch of Women Pilots was commissioned in Indian Force in 1994.

39. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2001]

List-I (Dancer)List-II (Dance)
A. Kalamandalam Kshemavaty1. Kathakali
B. Kottakkal Sivaraman2. Manipuri
C. Lakshmi Viswanathan3. Mohiniattam
D. N. Madhabi Devi4. Bharatanatyam
OptionABCD
(a)2314
(b)3241
(c)3142
(d)2341
Correct Answer: (c)
Solution:
The correct match is as follows:

40. Which of the following committees examined and suggested Financial Sector reforms? [2001]

Correct Answer: (d) Narasimham Committee
Solution:Narasimhan committee was constituted on financial sector reforms in 1991 and on banking sector reforms in 1998.

The Narasimham Committees of 1991 and 1998 were important in transforming India’s banking landscape. They addressed critical structural inefficiencies, strengthened regulation, and promoted professional management in banks. By introducing reforms in NPAs, capital adequacy, ownership structures, and regulatory frameworks, these committees laid the groundwork for a competitive, resilient, and globally aligned banking system.

A second Narasimham Committee was later formed in 1998 to address emerging challenges and ensure that India’s banking system remained robust amid evolving domestic and international economic conditions. Both committees have played an important role in shaping the modern Indian banking landscape, influencing regulatory frameworks, policy decisions, and banking practices.... Read more at: