UKPSC Prelims 2007 General Studies Paper I with Answers & Explanations

Explanation

The earliest evidence of human existence in India was discovered in the Narmada Valley at Hathnora, Madhya Pradesh, where a fossilized hominin skull cap, known as Narmada Man, was found in 1982. This fossil dates back to the Middle Pleistocene epoch, representing the oldest hominin remnant found in the subcontinent.

Explanation

The Gayatri Mantra is a highly revered mantra from the Rigveda (Mandala 3, Hymn 62, Verse 10), which is traditionally attributed to the Vedic sage Vishwamitra.

Explanation

Muhammad Ghori issued gold coins depicting the Hindu deity Goddess Lakshmi on the obverse and his name in Devanagari script on the reverse. This practice was adopted after his conquests in northern India to ensure the currency remained acceptable to the local population.

Explanation

Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Lahore in 1799 and established it as the official capital of the Sikh Empire, while Amritsar served as the religious and spiritual capital.

Explanation

Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, stretching over approximately 1,600 km along the Arabian Sea. It is followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

The rate of melting and retreat of Himalayan glaciers is considered to be among the fastest in the world, which has been highlighted in various environmental studies and reports. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Explanation

The Bhagirathi river originates from the Gangotri Glacier at Gomukh (or Gaumukh), which is the precise physical snout of the glacier. While Gangotri is the name of the glacier and the nearby temple town, Gomukh is the exact geographical source of the river, making it the most accurate choice.

Explanation

The Yamuna, Alaknanda, and Mandakini rivers originate directly from the Yamunotri, Satopanth, and Chorabari glaciers respectively. In contrast, the Kosi River is formed by the confluence of three major tributaries (the Sun Kosi, Arun, and Tamur) in Nepal and does not have a direct single glacial origin.

Explanation

The Mandakini River is a major tributary of the Alaknanda River, meeting it at Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. Therefore, it is part of the Alaknanda drainage system.

Explanation

The Tapi River is a west-flowing river in central India that empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. In contrast, the Mahanadi, Krishna, and Godavari are east-flowing rivers that drain into the Bay of Bengal.

Explanation

The Himalayas are divided into three main parallel ranges from north to south: the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks). Therefore, the Lesser Himalayas are situated geographically between the Greater Himalayas and the Shiwalik range.

Explanation

The Mandakini River originates near Kedarnath from the Chorabari Glacier and flows down to Rudraprayag, where it merges with the Alaknanda River. Therefore, Mandakini is the river that flows between Kedarnath and Rudraprayag.

Explanation

Weathering is the natural process of disintegration and decomposition of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface into smaller particles. This occurs through physical, chemical, and biological processes without any major transport of the materials.

Explanation

Urbanization is a cause of deforestation rather than an effect of it. On the other hand, the drying of water sources, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion are all direct ecological consequences of deforestation.

Explanation

Sikkim has a very low percentage of agricultural land (around 11%) due to its mountainous terrain, whereas Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have exceptionally high percentages of land under cultivation. Therefore, excluding Sikkim, the other listed states have a very large proportion of agricultural land.

Explanation

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built across the Krishna River and is located on the border between Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and Nalgonda district of Telangana. Among the given options, Andhra Pradesh is the correct answer.

Explanation

During the summer season in India, the winds blow from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean towards the low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent, resulting in a southwest to northeast wind flow known as the Southwest Monsoon.

Explanation

The Survey of India, which is the national survey and mapping organization of the country under the Department of Science and Technology, has its headquarters located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Explanation

The Chota Nagpur Plateau and surrounding areas in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, which lie in the eastern and south-eastern parts of India, contain the country's richest mineral deposits, including major reserves of coal, iron ore, manganese, bauxite, and mica.

Explanation

An energy crisis refers to a significant bottleneck or shortfall in the supply of energy resources to an economy, which is globally characterized by the depletion and threat of extinction of non-renewable fossil fuels like coal and petroleum. This depletion poses a major challenge to meeting the world's increasing energy demands.

Explanation

A black hole is an astronomical object with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even light or any other electromagnetic radiation, can escape from it once it crosses the event horizon. Therefore, it absorbs all radiation passing within its immediate vicinity.

Explanation

A light year is a unit of astronomical distance equivalent to the distance that light travels in one year, which is approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers. It is the standard unit used by astronomers to measure the vast distances between stars and galaxies.

Explanation

Yellowstone National Park is located in the United States of America, situated primarily in the state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Established in 1872, it is widely held to be the first national park in the world.

Explanation

Alaska is a state of the United States of America, having been purchased from Russia in 1867 and admitted as the 49th U.S. state in 1959. Thus, it is an integral part of the U.S.A.

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The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the entire western coast of South America. It passes through seven South American countries including Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.

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Plutonic rocks, also known as intrusive igneous rocks, are formed when magma cools and solidifies deep inside the Earth's crust. Volcanic rocks, on the other hand, are formed from lava that solidifies on the Earth's surface.

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The Alps mountain range spans across eight European countries, including France, Germany, and Austria. England is located on the island of Great Britain and is geographically separated from the European mainland where the Alps are situated.

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Mexico is geographically located in the southern portion of the North American continent. It is bordered by the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast.

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Coal is formed from the accumulation and compaction of organic plant debris over millions of years under heat and pressure. This process of deposition and lithification classifies coal as an organic sedimentary rock.

Explanation

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface, whereas marble, quartzite, and slate are all examples of metamorphic rocks.

Explanation

The molten substance inside the Earth is magma (when referring to molten rock in the mantle or crust) or liquid iron and nickel (in the outer core), none of which are listed in the options. Lava is the term used once molten rock reaches the Earth's surface, while basalt and obsidian are types of igneous rocks formed from cooled lava or magma.

Explanation

Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure, which recrystallizes and reforms the mineral structure of the original rock. Therefore, it is scientifically classified as reformed or metamorphosed limestone.

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Rotterdam was historically the busiest and largest port in the world from 1962 to 2004, and among the options provided, it remains by far the largest and most significant port in terms of cargo tonnage.

Explanation

Canada was the world's largest producer of uranium, the primary atomic mineral, in 2007 and held this position for many years until Kazakhstan became the leading producer in 2009. Therefore, Canada is the correct option for this period.

Explanation

According to the Census of India, Odisha has the lowest population among the given options, with approximately 3.68 crore (36.8 million) people in the 2001 Census and 4.19 crore (41.9 million) in the 2011 Census. In comparison, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu all have significantly larger populations.

Explanation

According to demographic data and United Nations World Urbanization Prospects around 2007, Greater Mumbai ranked as one of the top ten most populous cities/urban areas in the world. When considering the "city proper" definition, Greater Mumbai is the only Indian city from the options that consistently featured in the top ten global rankings during that period.

Explanation

An increase in the human population leads to habitat destruction, deforestation, and urbanization, which causes a decline rather than an increase in wildlife populations. The other options, such as increased pollution, loss of agricultural land, and more frequent flooding due to environmental degradation, are direct consequences of population growth.

Explanation

Sri Lanka has the lowest birth rate among the given countries due to its advanced demographic transition, high female literacy, and effective healthcare system. During the period around 2007, Sri Lanka's crude birth rate was lower than those of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

Explanation

In India, the highest population density is found in the Indo-Gangetic plains. These areas are characterized by flat terrain, highly fertile alluvial soils, and abundant water resources, which historically and currently support intensive agriculture and large human settlements.

Explanation

During the 1991-2001 census decade, Nagaland recorded the highest population growth rate among all states in India, with an exceptionally high decadal growth rate of approximately 64.53 percent.

Explanation

World Population Day is observed annually on July 11th to raise awareness of global population issues. It was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987.

Explanation

Article 51 A of the Indian Constitution, which was inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, contains the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens. This article constitutes Part IV-A of the Constitution and originally listed ten duties, which were later increased to eleven by the 86th Amendment Act in 2002.

Explanation

Under the Constitution of India, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) are independent constitutional bodies with their own distinct jurisdictions. The UPSC has no supervisory control, directory power, or scrutinizing authority over the SPSCs, making option B the correct statement.

Explanation

The Panchayati Raj System was first inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 2nd October 1959 in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. This marked the official implementation of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in India.

Explanation

Kerala has historically recorded the highest rate of educated unemployment among Indian states, despite having the highest literacy rate in the country. This phenomenon is primarily due to a lack of suitable industrial and service sector job opportunities within the state to match the highly qualified workforce.

Explanation

According to the Planning Commission estimates for the year 1999-2000, Odisha (formerly Orissa) recorded the highest percentage of population living below the poverty line at 47.15 percent. Bihar followed as the second highest with 42.60 percent.

Explanation

The National Development Council (NDC) is presided over by the Prime Minister of India, who serves as its ex-officio Chairman. The council, established in 1952, includes the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States, and representatives of the Union Territories.

Explanation

The Planning Commission of India was established in March 1950 with the Prime Minister of India serving as its ex-officio Chairman. Therefore, Jawaharlal Nehru, being the first Prime Minister, became its first Chairman.

Explanation

The Bharat Nirman Yojana is a time-bound plan launched by the Government of India in 2005 to develop rural infrastructure. It focuses on six key areas: rural housing, irrigation, drinking water, rural roads, electrification, and rural telephony.

Explanation

The Narasimham Committee was established by the Reserve Bank of India in 1991 and 1998 to examine and recommend reforms for the banking sector and financial system of India. Insurance sector reforms, on the other hand, were recommended by the Malhotra Committee.

Explanation

Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material in the manufacture of integrated circuits because of its abundance, stable thermal properties, and ease of fabrication. Its ability to form a high-quality silicon dioxide layer makes it ideal for creating transistors and other electronic components on a chip.

Explanation

The Fast Breeder Test Reactor at Kalpakkam uses a unique mixed carbide fuel composed of plutonium carbide and uranium carbide, where plutonium is the primary fissile fuel component. Therefore, plutonium is the correct answer.

Explanation

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water, thereby converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.

Explanation

In Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation, E = mc², the letter 'c' represents the speed or velocity of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 3 x 10⁸ meters per second. The other variables, 'E' and 'm', represent energy and mass respectively.

Explanation

Otto Hahn, along with Fritz Strassmann, discovered nuclear fission in 1938, which is the physical principle behind the operation of the atomic bomb. This process involves splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a massive amount of energy.

Explanation

Albert Einstein introduced the concept of time as the fourth dimension of physics in his theory of relativity, where space and time are unified into a single four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime.

Explanation

A tachyon is a hypothetical particle that always travels at a speed greater than that of light. Therefore, option A is the correct definition of the term.

Explanation

A pyrometer is a device used to measure high temperatures from a safe distance by detecting the thermal radiation emitted from the object. This makes it highly useful for measuring temperatures in furnaces and other hot environments where physical contact is impossible.

Explanation

Cusec stands for cubic feet per second, which is a unit used to measure the rate of flow of liquid, especially water in rivers, canals, and discharges. Therefore, it is used to measure the flow of water.

Explanation

Diamond is an allotrope of carbon, meaning it is chemically composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a face-centered cubic crystal structure known as a diamond lattice.

Explanation

India has some of the largest deposits of thorium in the world, primarily found in the monazite sands along the coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. This abundant resource is a key component of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.

Explanation

Stars produce energy primarily through nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei fuse under extreme temperature and pressure to form helium, releasing a massive amount of energy.

Explanation

The chemical composition of a pearl is primarily calcium carbonate (specifically in the form of aragonite or calcite crystals), which makes up about 82-86% of its structure, alongside the organic protein conchiolin and water. Therefore, calcium carbonate is the correct representation of its chemical composition.

Explanation

Limestone is the primary component of cement, accounting for approximately 60% to 67% of its raw material composition. It provides calcium oxide, which is essential for the formation of the calcium silicates that give cement its binding properties.

Explanation

Most underground mine explosions are caused by the ignition of firedamp, which is a mixture of methane gas and air. When methane mixes with air in concentrations between 5 and 15 percent, it becomes highly explosive and can be easily ignited by a spark.

Explanation

Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminum, consisting mainly of hydrous aluminum oxides. It is processed through the Bayer process to produce alumina, which is then smelted to extract pure aluminum.

Explanation

Azolla forms a symbiotic association with the nitrogen-fixing blue-green alga Anabaena azollae, which allows it to efficiently fix atmospheric nitrogen and act as an excellent biofertilizer. Thus, it proves to be highly effective when associated or mixed with blue-green algae.

Explanation

The Bhojapatra tree, scientifically known as Betula utilis or Himalayan birch, is native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, where its bark was historically used as paper for writing manuscripts. It typically grows at elevations between 3,000 to 4,500 meters in the Himalayan mountain range.

Explanation

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein present in red blood cells that binds with oxygen in the lungs and transports it to all the cells and tissues of the body. Therefore, its primary function is the transportation of oxygen.

Explanation

The primary function of the kidneys is to filter blood and excrete metabolic waste products from the body. When the kidneys fail, they are unable to filter out nitrogenous wastes such as urea, uric acid, and creatinine, leading to their accumulation in the blood.

Explanation

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder that is inherited from parents to offspring, impairing the body's ability to clot blood. In contrast, tuberculosis and dysentery are infectious diseases caused by pathogens, and cancer is generally an acquired genetic disease rather than a hereditary one.

Explanation

Casein is the primary protein found in milk, accounting for approximately 80% of the total protein content in bovine milk. It is responsible for the white color of milk and is rich in essential amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus.

Explanation

As a person ages, the blood vessels gradually lose their elasticity and become stiffer. This increased resistance in the arterial walls causes the heart to work harder, which generally leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Explanation

Gene synthesis is the latest technique developed among the given options, representing a major advancement in synthetic biology where double-stranded DNA molecules are custom-designed and synthesized de novo. While gene mapping and gene splicing were developed in earlier decades, high-throughput and commercial gene synthesis technologies emerged more recently in the late 1990s and 2000s.

Explanation

Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood group system in 1900, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930. His discovery made blood transfusions safe and routine medical procedures.

Explanation

Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, which occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood, indicating a malfunction or disease of the liver. The liver is the primary organ responsible for processing bilirubin, making it the organ most directly affected by jaundice.

Explanation

The hormone insulin, used in the treatment of diabetes, was discovered by Frederick Banting along with Charles Best in 1921. Banting was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 for this groundbreaking discovery.

Explanation

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. This results in an abnormally high count of white blood cells in the bloodstream, which is a key indicator of the disease.

Explanation

Physicians recommend using edible oils for cooking because they contain unsaturated fats, which are healthier for cardiovascular health compared to the saturated and trans fats found in Vanaspati ghee.

Explanation

The average resting heart rate for a healthy adult human is typically around 72 beats per minute. This is the standard textbook value used in general science questions, falling within the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Explanation

Cholesterol is a sterol, which is a lipid molecule classified as a steroid alcohol (or fatty alcohol). It is synthesized by animal cells and is a vital component found in animal fats and cell membranes.

Explanation

Lady finger is a warm-season vegetable grown during the summer and rainy seasons, making it a Kharif or Zaid crop. On the other hand, carrot, radish, and pea are cool-season crops grown during the winter, which makes them Rabi crops.

Explanation

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium live in the root nodules of leguminous plants in a mutually beneficial relationship. The bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plant, while the plant provides carbohydrates and shelter to the bacteria, which is a classic example of a symbiotic relationship.

Explanation

High-temperature superconductors, first discovered in 1986, are transition metal oxides, primarily copper-oxide-based compounds known as cuprates. These materials belong to the class of ceramic oxides, which exhibit superconductivity at temperatures much higher than traditional metallic alloy superconductors.

Explanation

The Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) satellite, India's first experimental communication satellite, was successfully launched on June 19, 1981. It was launched using the Ariane 1 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.

Explanation

An operating system is a software program that manages computer hardware and software resources, whereas a printer, keyboard, and mouse are physical hardware components or machinery.

Explanation

MS-Word is a word processing software designed primarily for creating, editing, formatting, and saving text-based documents. Therefore, its primary function is to edit document data.

Explanation

A pen drive (also known as a USB flash drive) is a portable and removable semiconductor-based secondary storage device that can be easily plugged into and removed from a computer's USB port to transfer and store data. Unlike floppy disks or hard drives, it is not a magnetic storage device, making C the most accurate option.

Explanation

The abbreviation G.I.F. stands for Graphics Interchange Format, which is represented by option C. It is a widely used bitmap image format developed by CompuServe in 1987.

Explanation

Networking of computers increases security risks by exposing them to external threats, enhances their overall utility through resource sharing, and increases the availability and access to information. Therefore, all of the given statements are correct.

Explanation

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware stored on a non-volatile Read-Only Memory (ROM) chip on the motherboard, which allows it to remain intact even when the computer is powered off.

Explanation

The term M.B. (or MB) standardly denotes Mega bytes in computer science, whereas Mb denotes Mega bits. Thus, option b is the correct representation.

Explanation

The full form of C.P.U. in computer terminology is Central Processing Unit, which acts as the primary component of a computer system responsible for executing instructions and processing data.

Explanation

The mouse is one of the most popular and widely used input devices for interacting with graphical user interfaces on modern computers. Among the choices provided, it is the most ubiquitous input device used today.

Explanation

Integrated circuit (I.C.) chips are manufactured from semiconductor materials, most commonly silicon. Semiconductors have electrical conductivity properties that make them ideal for controlling electrical current in microelectronic components.

Explanation

The IBM System/360, announced in 1964, was the first major family of digital computers to use integrated circuit technology (specifically hybrid ICs known as Solid Logic Technology), marking the start of third-generation computing. The IBM 1620 belongs to the second generation of computers and was built using discrete transistors, not IC chips.

Explanation

The data tool used to assist in making decisions and preparing plans by analyzing large datasets is most commonly referred to as a Decision Support Tool. It helps planners and managers compile useful information from raw data to identify and solve problems and make effective plans.

Explanation

The given series consists of two alternating sequences. The terms in the odd positions (11, 13, 15, 17) increase by 2, while the terms in the even positions (5, 10, 15) increase by 5, making the next two numbers in the series 20 and 19.

Explanation

World Environment Day is celebrated globally on June 5th every year to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of the environment. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

Explanation

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. Consequently, an increase in the density or concentration of these gases leads to a rise in the Earth's atmospheric temperature.

Explanation

The Wildlife Institute of India is an autonomous institution established in 1982, and it is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Explanation

Most of India's wildlife reserves and sanctuaries are surrounded by human settlements due to intense population pressure and agricultural encroachment. This proximity of human habitation to protected areas is the primary cause of frequent human-wildlife conflicts in the country.

Explanation

Carbon dating is a method used to determine the age of organic materials, such as fossils, by measuring the remaining amount of carbon-14. It is not suitable for dating rocks, which are typically dated using other radiometric methods like uranium-lead or potassium-argon dating.

Explanation

The ozone layer located in the stratosphere absorbs the majority of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the Sun, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface.

Explanation

Acid rain is primarily caused by the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO2) into the atmosphere, where they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall to the ground as wet or dry deposition, resulting in acid rain.

Explanation

Large-scale aerial photographs are the most suitable for wildlife management in Jim Corbett and Rajaji National Parks because they provide the high resolution and detail necessary for mapping vegetation types, identifying corridors, and monitoring animal habitats. Small-scale photographs lack the resolution needed for these specific wildlife conservation and management tasks.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, directly contributing to global warming. Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas and does not play a role in the greenhouse effect, making this the correct combination.

Explanation

The Joshimath-Auli ropeway, which is one of the longest ropeways in Asia, was officially completed and started its operations in October 1993. It was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Explanation

Among the options provided, Uttarkashi has the largest area, which is approximately 8,016 square kilometers. The other districts listed (Nainital, Dehradun, and Almora) are significantly smaller in geographical area.

Explanation

The Tharu Scheduled Tribe resides mostly in the Terai region of Uttarakhand, with their largest concentration in the Udham Singh Nagar district. They are primarily found in the Khatima and Sitarganj tehsils of this district.

Explanation

There are 13 districts in the state of Uttarakhand, divided into two administrative divisions: Garhwal and Kumaon.

Explanation

According to the 2001 Census of India, which is relevant for the 2007 exam, Haridwar had the lowest literacy rate in Uttarakhand at 63.75 percent. Even in the 2011 Census, among the given options, Haridwar recorded the lowest literacy rate at 73.43 percent.

Explanation

The Bhoksa, Bhotia, and Raji (Razi) are all recognized Scheduled Tribes inhabiting Uttarakhand. The Khawar (or Kharwar) tribe is native to other Indian states such as Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh, and is not found in Uttarakhand.

Explanation

According to the Census of India, Udham Singh Nagar has the highest Scheduled Tribe population among all the districts of Uttarakhand. It is followed by Dehradun and Pithoragarh in terms of tribal population size.

Explanation

The Gangotri Glacier, located in the Uttarkashi district, is the largest glacier in Uttarakhand with a length of about 30 kilometers and a width of roughly 2 to 4 kilometers. It is a primary source of the Ganges River and is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas.

Explanation

The Tharu tribal people, primarily living in the Terai region of India and Nepal, traditionally observe Deepawali as a day of mourning to remember and pay homage to their deceased ancestors. On this day, they perform specific rituals and offer food to their ancestors, referring to the occasion as a period of mourning.

Explanation

Corbett National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger and is the oldest national park in India. Rajaji National Park was only declared a Tiger Reserve much later, in 2015.

Explanation

Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to landslides due to its fragile Himalayan geology, steep slopes, and heavy monsoon rainfall. Landslides occur with high frequency and cause widespread, devastating impact on lives, infrastructure, and communication networks in the state.

Explanation

Urbanization in hilly regions leads to habitat destruction, deforestation, and increased human-wildlife conflict, which causes a decline in wildlife population rather than an increase. Therefore, an increase in the wildlife population is not a consequence of urbanization.

Explanation

Afforestation of barren land involves planting trees on non-forested land, which helps in restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity rather than causing its loss. In contrast, road expansion, urbanization, and agricultural expansion lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, which are major drivers of biodiversity loss.

Explanation

The name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand on 1st January 2007, through the Uttaranchal (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Explanation

The state of Uttarakhand (originally formed as Uttaranchal) was officially created as the 27th state of India on 9th November, 2000, after being carved out of northern Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, after departing a political rally at Liaquat National Bagh in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Explanation

In the third Test match between India and Pakistan played at Bangalore in December 2007, Sourav Ganguly scored 239 runs in the first innings, facing exactly 361 balls.

Explanation

General Rookmangud Katawal, referred to in the options as General R. M. Kotwal, served as the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepalese Army from 2006 to 2009. He undertook an official week-long visit to India starting in December 2007.

Explanation

General Deepak Kapoor was appointed as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, serving from September 30, 2007, to March 31, 2010. He succeeded General J. J. Singh, who was the 22nd Chief of Army Staff.

Explanation

Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar (referred to in the options as Dr. Vijay N. Kelkar) was appointed as the Chairman of the 13th Finance Commission of India on November 14, 2007. The commission's recommendations covered the five-year period from 2010 to 2015.

Explanation

Colonel Vasanth Venugopal (spelled as Vishwanath in the question), Captain Harshan, and Naib Subedar Chuni Lal were all posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra in 2007. This is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, given for most conspicuous bravery, self-sacrifice, or valor of the highest order.

Explanation

Kevin Rudd was elected as the 26th Prime Minister of Australia in November 2007, leading the Australian Labor Party to victory. He served as Prime Minister from December 2007 to June 2010, and again briefly in 2013.

Explanation

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2006 was awarded to the Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, transliterated in the options as Prof. Madam Bangari Mathai. The award was presented to her by the President of India on November 1, 2007.

Explanation

The book Inside I.B. and RAW: The Rolling Stone That Gathers No Moss was written by K. Sankaran Nair (referred to as K. Shankaran Nayar in the options), a former director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Explanation

The Sixth India-ASEAN Summit was held in Singapore on November 21, 2007, alongside the 13th ASEAN Summit.

Explanation

Shashi Tharoor is a former career diplomat who served at the United Nations Organization for nearly three decades, culminating in his role as the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information from 2001 to 2007. During his tenure, he also ran for the post of UN Secretary-General in 2006.

Explanation

Dev Anand was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2002. This award, which is India's highest award in cinema, was presented to him at the 50th National Film Awards ceremony held in 2003.

Explanation

The autobiography titled Romancing with Life was written by the legendary Indian actor Dev Anand and was published in the year 2007. The book provides a detailed account of his life, career in Indian cinema, and his various encounters and relationships.

Explanation

Albert Einstein was an accomplished violinist who began playing the instrument at age six. He was known to play his violin, which he affectionately named Lina, to help him think and relax throughout his life.

Explanation

U Thant served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from November 3, 1961, to December 31, 1971, a total of 10 years and 58 days. This is the longest tenure among all the options provided.

Explanation

V. S. Naipaul, who was of Indian origin, won the Booker Prize in 1971 for his novel "In a Free State", making him the first person of Indian origin to receive this award. Salman Rushdie won the award later in 1981 for "Midnight's Children", and Arundhati Roy was the first Indian citizen to win it in 1997.

Explanation

Acharya Narendra Dev was never awarded the Bharat Ratna. In contrast, J.R.D. Tata and Satyajit Ray received India's highest civilian honor in 1992, while C. Subramanyam was awarded it in 1998.

Explanation

Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations on 22 November 2007 by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting in Kampala, Uganda, with the decision taking effect and being widely implemented on 23 November 2007, coinciding with the start of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Explanation

Kamlesh Sharma, an Indian diplomat, was elected as the Commonwealth Secretary-General during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kampala, Uganda, in November 2007. He took office on April 1, 2008, succeeding Don McKinnon of New Zealand.

Explanation

The Maldives is the smallest country in South Asia by both land area and population, covering an area of approximately 298 square kilometers. In comparison, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have significantly larger land areas of about 38,394, 65,610, and 147,570 square kilometers respectively.

Explanation

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was the first Indian private sector company to find a place on the Fortune Global 500 list, entering it in 2004. Among the options provided, it is the first and only company to achieve this listing by the time of the exam.

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The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is awarded annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for outstanding contributions to science and technology. It is one of the most prestigious multidisciplinary science awards in India.

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Chitra Mudgal was the first woman to receive the Vyas Samman, which she won in the year 2003 for her novel Avaa.

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India has the largest postal network in the world, with over 155,000 post offices, the vast majority of which are located in rural areas. This makes it the country with the largest number of post offices globally.

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Lhasa is historically known as the Forbidden City because it was closed to foreigners for many years due to its extreme geographic isolation and political restrictions.

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The novel 'A Passage to India' was written by the English author E. M. Forster and published in 1924. The book is set against the backdrop of the British Raj and the Indian independence movement.

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The Jagar system is a traditional ritual of ancestor spirit and local deity worship prevalent in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. It involves singing ritual folk ballads to invoke spirits and deities to seek their blessings or solve local problems.