Magazines, Books and Their Authors (Part-IV)

Total Questions: 50

1. Which of the following pairs is correct? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994]

Correct Answer: (b) Mani Shankar Aiyar - The Pakistan Papers
Solution:‘The Path to Power’ was written by Margaret Thatcher. Manishankar Aiyar authored ‘Pakistan Papers’. The book ‘India Wins Freedom’ is the masterpiece of Abul Kalam Azad, Napoleon : the Path to Power 1769-1799 is written by Philip Dwyer and ‘The Future of N.P.T’ is of Savita Pandey.

2. The author of ‘The Golden Gate’ is : [M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]

Correct Answer: (d) Vikram Seth
Solution:The book titled ‘The Golden Gate’ was published in 1986 by Vikram Seth and also it was his first novel.

Vikram Seth is an Indian poet, novelist, travel writer, librettist, children's writer, biographer and memoirist.
During the course of his doctorate studies at Stanford, he did his field work in China and translated Hindi and Chinese poetry into English. He returned to Delhi via Xinjiang and Tibet which led to a travel narrative From Heaven Lake: Travels Through Sinkiang and Tibet (1983) which won the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
The Golden Gate: A Novel in Verse (1986) was his first novel describing the experiences of a group of friends who live in California. A Suitable Boy (1993), an epic of Indian life set in the 1950s, got him the WH Smith Literary Award and the Commonwealth Writers Prize.

3. Who among the following Journalists has written his autobiography entitled the “Lucknow Boy”? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]

Correct Answer: (a) Vinod Mehta
Solution:Journalist Vinod Mehta has written his autobiography entitled the “Lucknow Boy: A Memoir” Vinod Mehta (31 May 1941-8 March 2015) was an Indian journalist, editor and political commentator. He was also the founder editor-in-chief of Outlook from 1995 to 2012 and had been editor of publications such as The Pioneer, The Sunday Observer, The Independent and The Indian Post. He was also the author of several books.

4. The book ‘Lucknow Boy’ was written by – [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]

Correct Answer: (c) Vinod Mehta
Solution:Journalist Vinod Mehta has written his autobiography entitled the “Lucknow Boy: A Memoir” Vinod Mehta (31 May 1941-8 March 2015) was an Indian journalist, editor and political commentator. He was also the founder editor-in-chief of Outlook from 1995 to 2012 and had been editor of publications such as The Pioneer, The Sunday Observer, The Independent and The Indian Post. He was also the author of several books.

5. “Silent Spring” was written by : [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019 Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]

Correct Answer: (a) Rachel Carson
Solution:The book ‘Silent Spring’ is the masterpiece of the famous bio-scientist Rachel Carson. The book raised the question on the use of pesticides. It is a landmark book that raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides and their impact on the environment, particularly on birds. The book is credited with helping to launch the environmental movement.

6. Who wrote ‘The Satanic Verses’? [M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2004]

Correct Answer: (c) Salman Rushdie
Solution:Salman Rushdie, an Indian-born British-American novelist, authored "The Satanic Verses," which was published in 1988. The novel blends magical realism with historical fiction and explores themes of identity, migration, and cultural conflict. Its publication sparked significant controversy, leading to a fatwa issued against Rushdie by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, due to allegations of blasphemy. Rushdie's work often examines the intersections of Eastern and Western civilizations, with "The Satanic Verses" being one of his most notable and contentious contributions to literature.

7. “Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights” is a book written by : [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (c) Salman Rushdie
Solution:Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights" is a novel written by Salman Rushdie, published in 2015. The book intertwines elements of history, mythology, and a timeless love story, drawing inspiration from the traditional "wonder tales" of the East. In this novel, Rushdie explores themes of transnationalism and cosmopolitanism by depicting a war between the universe and a supernatural world of jinns. The narrative is set in New York City in the near future and delves into the lives of jinns, recounting the story of a jinnia princess and her offspring during a period known as the "strangenesses." The title of the book is a reference to the 1,001 nights that Scheherazade spent telling stories in the Middle-Eastern collection "One Thousand and One Nights." For a deeper insight into the novel, you might find Salman Rushdie's discussion on "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights" at the 2016 National Book Festival informative.

8. Who is the author of the book ‘Namesake’? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (d) Jhumpa Lahiri
Solution:‘The Namesake’ is the first novel written by Jhumpa Lahiri. Jhumpa Lahiri is a Pulitzer Prize winner. She won Pulitzer Prize for her short story collection “Interpreter of Maladies” in the year 2000.

9. The author of the book “The Road Ahead” is : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]

Correct Answer: (b) Bill Gates
Solution:The Road Ahead" is a 1995 book co-authored by Bill Gates, Nathan Myhrvold, and Peter Rinearson. In this work, Gates explores the future of technology, particularly the impact of the Internet and the concept of the "Information Highway" on society. The book offers insights into the digital age and its potential to transform various aspects of life. The book was well-received, topping The New York Times bestseller list for over seven weeks and selling 2.5 million copies. Gates revisited the predictions and insights from "The Road Ahead" in a 2020 article, reflecting on the accuracy of his forecasts and the evolution of technology over the past 25 years. Additionally, the book includes a CD-ROM containing the text and supplemental information, providing an interactive experience for readers. For a deeper understanding of the book's themes and Gates' vision, you might find his discussion on "The Road Ahead" insightful.

10. The author of ‘Manas ke Hans’ is– [M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]

Correct Answer: (c) Amritlal Nagar
Solution:Manas Ka Hans' is a renowned novel by Amritlal Nagar, a prominent Hindi author and journalist. This extensive work is based on the life of Goswami Tulsidas, the celebrated author of the 'Ramcharitmanas'. The novel offers a vivid and inspiring portrayal of Tulsidas's journey, various facets of his personality, and the process of composing the 'Ramcharitmanas'.
Amritlal Nagar was a distinguished writer and journalist in Hindi literature, known for his contributions across novels, stories, essays, and biographies. His writings delve into social issues, human emotions, and historical events, reflecting a deep understanding of society.
'Manas Ka Hans' was published by Rajpal & Sons. You can find this book through major bookstores or online platforms.