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All questions of Firsts in India (Female) for UPSC CSE Exam

Who was the first Indian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics?
  • a)
    Nandita Das
  • b)
    Kalpana Chawla
  • c)
    Asima Chatterjee
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rithika Basak answered
Explanation:

First Indian Woman to Win the Nobel Prize in Physics:
- The correct answer is None of the above.
- No Indian woman has won the Nobel Prize in Physics as of now.
- However, there have been Indian women who have made significant contributions to the field of physics, such as Dr. Bibha Chowdhuri, who was a renowned Indian physicist known for her work in nuclear physics.

Other Notable Indian Women in Physics:
- Some other notable Indian women physicists include Dr. Rohini Godbole, who is a theoretical physicist known for her work in particle physics, and Dr. Archana Sharma, who is a physicist known for her work in high-energy physics.
- While these women have not won the Nobel Prize in Physics, they have made important contributions to the field and serve as inspirations for future generations of female physicists.

Who was the first Indian woman to win an individual Olympic bronze medal?
  • a)
    Saina Nehwal
  • b)
    Sakshi Malik
  • c)
    Mary Kom
  • d)
    Karnam Malleswari
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vandana Dey answered
Introduction
Karnam Malleswari made history as the first Indian woman to win an individual Olympic bronze medal. Her achievement marked a significant milestone in Indian sports.
Achievement at the 2000 Sydney Olympics
- Karnam Malleswari competed in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
- She participated in the 69 kg weight category.
- Malleswari lifted a total of 660 kg, securing a bronze medal.
Significance of the Medal
- This bronze medal was not just a personal achievement but also a breakthrough for women in Indian sports.
- Malleswari's success inspired many young girls in India to pursue sports.
Recognition and Legacy
- Following her Olympic success, Malleswari received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
- She became a role model and advocate for women's empowerment in sports.
Comparison with Other Athletes
- While athletes like Saina Nehwal, Sakshi Malik, and Mary Kom have also achieved great success, they won their medals in subsequent Olympics.
- Malleswari's achievement was the first of its kind, paving the way for future female athletes.
Conclusion
Karnam Malleswari’s Olympic bronze medal remains a historic achievement that highlights the potential of women in sports, encouraging future generations to break barriers and pursue excellence.

Who was the first Indian woman to win an individual Olympic bronze medal in wrestling?
  • a)
    Karnam Malleswari
  • b)
    Sakshi Malik
  • c)
    Mary Kom
  • d)
    Saina Nehwal
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sakshi Malik won the individual Olympic bronze medal in wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in wrestling.

Who was the first woman Chief Justice of India?
  • a)
    Meira Kumar
  • b)
    Pratibha Patil
  • c)
    Kiran Bedi
  • d)
    Leila Seth
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Leila Seth was born in Lucknow on October 20, 1930, as the eldest daughter among her two brothers. She shared a close bond with her father, who was employed in the Imperial Railway Service, and his untimely demise when she was just 11 years old left a profound impact on her.

Who was the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft?
  • a)
    Rani Lakshmibai
  • b)
    Sarla Thakral
  • c)
    Indira Gandhi
  • d)
    Kalpana Chawla
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Divyansh Singh answered
Introduction
The question of who was the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft leads us to Sarla Thakral, an aviation pioneer whose achievements paved the way for women in aviation in India.
Sarla Thakral: A Pioneer in Aviation
- Birth and Early Life: Sarla Thakral was born on March 8, 1914, in Lahore, which is now in Pakistan. Her passion for flying started early in her life.
- Flight Training: In 1936, Sarla became the first Indian woman to earn a pilot's license. She trained at the Delhi Flying Club, showcasing determination and skill.
- Historic Flight: On February 2, 1936, at the age of 21, she flew a Gypsy Moth aircraft, making her the first Indian woman to fly. This event was groundbreaking, considering the societal norms of her time.
Impact on Women in Aviation
- Breaking Barriers: Sarla's achievement inspired many women to pursue careers in aviation, demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to achieving one's dreams.
- Legacy: Her legacy continues to influence aspiring female pilots in India and beyond, encouraging them to break stereotypes and follow their passions.
Conclusion
Sarla Thakral's contributions to aviation are invaluable, marking her as a significant figure in Indian history. Her trailblazing spirit serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and courage in overcoming societal challenges.

Who was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal?
  • a)
    P. T. Usha
  • b)
    Karnam Malleswari
  • c)
    Mary Kom
  • d)
    Sania Mirza
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Athul Chauhan answered
Introduction
Karnam Malleswari made history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Her achievement is a significant milestone in Indian sports.
Details of the Achievement
- Event: Karnam Malleswari competed in weightlifting.
- Olympics: She participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
- Medal: Malleswari won a bronze medal in the 69 kg weight category.
Significance of the Win
- Trailblazer: Malleswari's victory broke barriers for women in Indian sports, inspiring future generations of female athletes.
- Recognition: Her accomplishment has been acknowledged nationally and internationally, elevating the status of women in sports in India.
- Influence: Following her success, there has been an increase in support and recognition for female athletes in India.
Comparison with Other Athletes
- P. T. Usha: Considered one of India’s greatest athletes but did not win an Olympic medal.
- Mary Kom: A celebrated boxer with multiple accolades, but her Olympic medal was achieved later (bronze in 2012).
- Sania Mirza: A prominent tennis player who has won Grand Slam titles but has not yet secured an Olympic medal.
Conclusion
Karnam Malleswari's remarkable achievement at the Sydney Olympics remains a landmark moment in Indian sports history, marking her as an inspirational figure for many aspiring athletes.

Who was the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal?
  • a)
    Deepa Malik
  • b)
    Sakshi Malik
  • c)
    Mary Kom
  • d)
    Karnam Malleswari
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Niharika Shah answered
Introduction
The journey of Indian athletes in the Paralympics has been remarkable, with many breaking barriers and achieving great heights. Among these athletes, Deepa Malik holds a significant place as the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics.
Deepa Malik's Achievement
- Historic Win: Deepa Malik won a silver medal in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, marking a pivotal moment in Indian sports history.
- Event: She competed in the women’s shot put F53 category, which is for athletes with disabilities affecting their lower limbs.
- Performance: Deepa's throw of 4.61 meters secured her the silver medal, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.
Significance of the Medal
- Trailblazer: Her achievement paved the way for more women athletes in India to pursue sports despite disabilities, inspiring many.
- Recognition: Deepa Malik’s win brought significant attention to Paralympic sports in India, highlighting the need for support and recognition for athletes with disabilities.
Comparison with Other Athletes
- Sakshi Malik: While a celebrated wrestler and the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics (2016), she is not a Paralympian.
- Mary Kom: A distinguished boxer and Olympic medalist, Mary Kom has not competed in the Paralympics.
- Karnam Malleswari: The first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (2000), but she also does not belong to the Paralympic category.
Conclusion
Deepa Malik's historic achievement as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal is a testament to her hard work and perseverance, inspiring future generations of athletes with disabilities in India.

Who was the first Indian woman to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award?
  • a)
    Medha Patkar
  • b)
    Aruna Roy
  • c)
    Kiran Bedi
  • d)
    Vandana Shiva
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

First Indian Woman to Win the Ramon Magsaysay Award:
The first Indian woman to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award was Aruna Roy. She received this prestigious award in 2000 for her work as a social activist.

Key Points:
- Aruna Roy is known for her efforts in promoting government transparency and accountability, as well as for her work in the grassroots movement for the Right to Information in India.
- She co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), an organization that fights for the rights of workers and farmers.
- Roy's advocacy for the Right to Information Act played a crucial role in its eventual enactment in India in 2005.
- Her work has had a significant impact on empowering marginalized communities and promoting social justice in India.

Significance of the Ramon Magsaysay Award:
- The Ramon Magsaysay Award is considered one of Asia's highest honors and is often referred to as the Asian Nobel Prize.
- It is awarded to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to society, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Aruna Roy's recognition as the first Indian woman to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award highlights the importance of grassroots activism and advocacy in bringing about positive social change.

Who was the first Indian man to win an individual Olympic gold medal?
  • a)
    Abhinav Bindra
  • b)
    Sakshi Malik
  • c)
    Mary Kom
  • d)
    P. V. Sindhu
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

P. V. Sindhu won the individual Olympic gold medal in badminton at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.

Who was the first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize for Fiction?
  • a)
    Anita Desai
  • b)
    Kiran Desai
  • c)
    Arundhati Roy
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize for Fiction was Arundhati Roy. She won the prestigious award in 1997 for her debut novel "The God of Small Things."
  • The novel is a semi-autobiographical work and a family saga, set in Kerala, India. It skillfully explores social issues, especially caste and class systems, and intricately combines the personal and political amidst a richly textured narrative style.
  • The critical acclaim and international recognition for "The God of Small Things" established Arundhati Roy as a significant voice in contemporary world literature. Since then, she has continued to engage with a range of issues, including human rights and environmental activism, through her literary work and advocacy.

Who was the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award?
  • a)
    Sarojini Naidu
  • b)
    Mother Teresa
  • c)
    Indira Gandhi
  • d)
    Lata Mangeshkar
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The Correct Answer is Indira Gandhi
In 1971, this prestigious was conferred upon Indira Gandhi, a historic moment as she became the first woman to be honoured with Bharat Ratna. 

Who was the first Indian woman to win a Nobel Prize?
  • a)
    Mother Teresa
  • b)
    Indira Gandhi
  • c)
    Arundhati Roy
  • d)
    Malala Yousafzai
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Mother Teresa, an Albanian-Indian nun, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work and selfless service to the poor and sick in Kolkata, India.

Who was the first Indian woman to win the Miss World title?
  • a)
    Aishwarya Rai
  • b)
    Priyanka Chopra
  • c)
    Reita Faria
  • d)
    Sushmita Sen
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Knowledge Hub answered
The correct answer is Reita Faria
  • She was won the Miss World title in 1966.
  • She is an Indian physician, a former model, and she is related to Mumbai city.
  • She is the first Asian woman to win the event (Miss world). 
  • She is also the first Miss World winner to be qualified as a physician.

    Who was the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state?
    • a)
      Jayalalithaa
    • b)
      Mamata Banerjee
    • c)
      Mayawati
    • d)
      Sucheta Kriplani
    Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

    Knowledge Hub answered
    Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state. She served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967.

    Who was the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)?
    • a)
      Sheikha Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa
    • b)
      Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
    • c)
      Angellah Kairuki
    • d)
      Maria Fernanda Espinosa
    Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

    The Correct Answer is Vijayalakshmi Pandit
    She was elected as the 1st woman President of the of United Nations General Assembly (68th Session) in 1953. Overall she was the eighth and is the only Indian till date to be elected as the President of the UNGA.

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