International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released a book ‘Matoshree’, authored by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in New Delhi on April 11, 2017. The book ‘Matoshree’ covers the life and times of legendary Devi Ahilyabai Holker who ruled the Holkar Empire spread over the Malwa region from 1767 to 1795. Ahilyabai Holkar was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime and considered as a saint by people after her death. She is remembered and worshipped by people for her exemplary governance, sense of justice and fairness.

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World Bank is one of five institutions created at the Breton Woods Conference in 1944. World Bank is part of the United Nations system, but its governance structure is different. World Bank’s headquarter is situated at Washington DC.

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The Secretariat of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) is located in Switzerland. Established in 2002, IADI aims to enhance the effectiveness of deposit insurance systems worldwide. Switzerland is known for its strong financial sector and is home to many international organizations, making it a strategic location for IADI.

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The Shatt al-Arab waterway was the main factor in the Iran-Iraq War. The Shatt al-Arab is formed by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The southern end of the river forms the border between Iran and Iraq. The Shatt al-Arab was an important channel for oil exports for both countries. The dispute over the Shatt al-Arab lasted from 1936 until 1975. Iran rejected the demarcation line established in the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of Constantinople of November 1913. Iran wanted the border to run along the thalweg, the deepest point of the navigable channel. The Iran-Iraq War lasted from September 1980 until August 1988. The war was also called the First Persian Gulf War or the Imposed War in Iran.

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The golden peace dove is a symbol of peace and reconciliation. It is often depicted as a white dove with a golden olive branch in its beak, representing the biblical story of the dove that returned to Noah’s ark with an olive branch, signaling the end of the flood and the beginning of a new era of peace. The golden peace dove is used as a symbol by various organizations and movements that promote peace and non-violence, and it is often associated with the broader concept of pacifism.

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The correct answer is G-20. Established in 1999, the G-20 includes major economies that represent about 85% of global GDP. Its role expanded importantly during the 2008 financial crisis, positioning it as a key forum for international economic cooperation. Unlike the G-7, which consists of advanced economies, the G-20 includes emerging markets, enhancing its influence in global economic governance and crisis management, sometimes challenging the traditional dominance of the World Bank and IMF.

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It`s worth note that Abaninath Mukherji or Abani Mukherji, who was one of the cofounders of Communist Party of India was a victim of the Great Purge, orchestrated by Joseph Stalin in 1936-1938. It was a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union. Abani Mukherji died in Soviet Union in 1937 when he was executed and his death was acknowledged only after 1955

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UN Mission named MONUSCO is located in Congo. It is acronym based on its French name (French: Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo). It is a United Nations peacekeeping force in Congo.

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National Mathematics Day is celebrated on December 22 in India to honor the birth of the renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, born on December 22, 1887. Ramanujan made important contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and continued fractions. His work has influenced various fields, and he is celebrated for his intuitive grasp of mathematics despite having little formal training. The day aims to promote the importance of mathematics in education and society.

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Nabhadasa belonged to the Ramanandi tradition and his book “Bhaktamala” , written in the late 16th century, contains accounts of approx 600 saints viz. Ramanuja, Madhva, Ramananda, Nimbarka, etc. In it, each saint is depicted in a few lines of verse.