1. National Cadet Corps Day is celebrated on which among the following dates?
[A] October 21
[B] November 23
[C] December 25
[D] January 21
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [November 23]
Notes:
23rd November is traditionally celebrated as the ‘NCC Day’ to mark the function of raising the first NCC Unit at Delhi.
2. The North Atlantic Treaty is the treaty that brought NATO into existence, signed in Washington, DC on April 4, 1949 by how many countries?
[A] 10
[B] 12
[C] 15
[D] 20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [12]
Notes:
The North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) was signed by 12 countries on April 4, 1949 at the Departmental Auditorium in Washington, D.C.. The countries that signed the treaty were: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, The United Kingdom, The United States. The treaty established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a mutual defense treaty between the 12 nations. The purpose of NATO was to deter the Soviet Union from invading Western Europe. The treaty committed each member to share the risks, responsibilities, and benefits of collective defense. NATO is now an alliance of 31 nations from Europe and North America. The main purpose of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members by political and military means.
3. General secretariat of Amnesty International is located at
[A] Geneva
[B] London
[C] Paris
[D] New York
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [London]
Notes:
The general secretariat of Amnesty International is located in London, United Kingdom. The non-governmental organization was founded in July 1961 by Peter Benenson and Philip James. Amnesty International is a human rights organization that campaigns for compliance with international laws and standards. They use media attention, direct-appeal campaigns, research, and lobbying to protect human rights. Amnesty International has opened regional offices in cities across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
4. Where is the Secretariat of the International Chamber of Commerce situated?
[A] Geneva
[B] London
[C] New York
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Paris]
Notes:
The secretariat of the International Chamber of Commerce is located in Paris, France. Founded in 1919, the International Chamber of Commerce represents businesses from more than 130 countries. It plays a significant role in arbitration and has a wide reach in areas involving trade and business law. This international non-governmental organization assists in streamlining international trade rules, thereby promoting economic growth.
5. Who among the following was the first Secretary-General of Non Alignment Movement?
[A] Gamal Abdul Nasser
[B] Jawahar Lal Nehru
[C] Josip Broz Tito
[D] Sukarno
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Josip Broz Tito]
Notes:
The first Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was Josip Broz Tito, the leader of Yugoslavia. The NAM was established in 1961 during the Cold War to promote cooperation among countries that did not want to align with either the Western or Eastern blocs. Tito played a crucial role in its formation, alongside leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Gamal Abdul Nasser. The movement aimed to provide a platform for countries seeking independence from colonialism and to advocate for peace and mutual respect among nations.
6. Who among the following is the first and only chief of naval staff who was sacked while still serving?
[A] Admiral Vijai Singh Shekhawat
[B] Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas
[C] Admiral Vishnu Baghwat
[D] Admiral Madhvendra Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Admiral Vishnu Baghwat]
Notes:
Admiral Vishnu Baghwat is the first and only Chief of Naval Staff of India to be dismissed while in service. He was removed in 1998 due to differences with the government over various issues, including the handling of the Kargil War. This incident marked a important moment in Indian military history, which indicates the tensions between military leadership and political authority.
7. Out of the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council, assent of how many is required to make a decision?
[A] 5 Permanent & 5 Non-Permanent Members
[B] 5 Permanent & 8 Non-Permanent Members
[C] 5 Permanent & 4 Non-Permanent Members
[D] 5 Permanent & 2 Non-Permanent Members
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [5 Permanent & 4 Non-Permanent Members]
Notes:
The correct answer is “5 Permanent & 4 Non-Permanent Members.” In the United Nations Security Council, a decision requires the affirmative votes of at least 9 out of 15 members, which includes all 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 4 non-permanent members. This structure ensures that both permanent and non-permanent members have a important role in decision-making. Notably, any of the permanent members can veto a substantive resolution, which is a unique feature of the Security Council.
8. Which of the following is India’s largest indigenous research and production nuclear reactor?
[A] Apsara
[B] Dhruva
[C] Kamini
[D] CIRUS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhruva]
Notes:
Dhruva is India’s largest indigenous research and production nuclear reactor. It is an indigenously built 100MWt research reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai. Operational since 1985, this heavy-water moderated and cooled reactor predominantly uses uranium as fuel. The reactor is used primarily for the production of weapons-grade plutonium for India’s nuclear deterrent program. Additionally, it is also used for research in materials science and to provide irradiation services.
9. Who among the following is the author of the famous book “Silent Spring” which is credited for being of much help in launching the environment movement?
[A] Ian Lowe
[B] Pat Hutchings
[C] Mike Kingsford
[D] Rachel Carson
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rachel Carson]
Notes:
The book Silent Spring is written by Rachel Carson. It is a book on environmental science. The book was published in 1962.
10. Consider the following entities related to international finance:
- Financial Transaction Plan
- Technical Assistance Special Fund
- Financial Stability Board
Which of the above is/are part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
[A] Only 1
[B] 1 and 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
The Financial Transaction Plan is an integral part of the IMF, managing its lending and repayment operations. The Technical Assistance Special Fund is associated with the Asian Development Bank and not the IMF. The Financial Stability Board is a separate international body; while IMF representatives participate in its activities, it is not part of the IMF itself.