1. Who is the author of the book ‘Matoshree’?
[A] Sumitra Mahajan
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Venkaiah Naidu
[D] Sushma Swaraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sumitra Mahajan]
Notes:
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.
2. Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), a collaborative food information initiative has been launched by ___?
[A] World Food Programme
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization
[C] G-20
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [G-20]
Notes:
In 2011, the G20 Ministers of Agriculture while recognizing the importance of timely, accurate and transparent information in addressing food price volatility launched the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), a collaborative food information initiative. AMIS builds on and complements existing systems and improves global food market information. AMIS is a platform through which countries, international organizations and the private sector can work together to strengthen synergies and collaboration in order to improve data reliability, timeliness and frequency. AMIS will also build developing countries’ capacity in market outlook analysis and promote policy dialogue.
3. The book “Jnaneswari” was written by whom?
[A] Tukaram
[B] Ramdasa
[C] Namadeva
[D] Jnandeva
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Correct Answer: D [Jnandeva]
Notes:
Saint Jnandeva of Maharashtra wrote the Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita known as Jnaneswari. He belonged to the Bhakti kal of 13th century .
4. Who wrote the book “Navasaha Sankacharitam”?
[A] Somadeva
[B] Padmagupta
[C] Kshemendra
[D] Krishna Dev Raya
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Correct Answer: B [Padmagupta]
Notes:
The Sanskrit poet Padmagupta Parimala composed “Navasaha Sankacharitam” , in which he described the exploits of Paramara
King Sindhuraja (995-1010 AD) of Dhara, who possessed the title “Nava Sahasanka”. It deals with the marriage of Sindhuraja (the father of King Bhoja of Dhara) with the Shashi Prabha (daughter of Nagaraja Shankhapara) and the personal aspects of his life.
5. Who was the author of Dashkumarcharitam and at whose court did he live?
[A] Dandin, Nandivarman II
[B] Bharavi, Nandivarman II
[C] Appar, Dandivarman I
[D] Bharavi, Narsimhavarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandin, Nandivarman II]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. Both Bharavi and Dandin, the authors of Kiratarjuniyam and Dasakumarcharitam respectively, lived in the Pallava court.
6. Who among the following was the author of the book “Unhappy India” written as a response to the book “Mother India” ?
[A] Lala Lajpat Rai
[B] Lala Hardayal
[C] Mahatma Gandhi
[D] Balgangadhar Tilak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Lala Lajpat Rai]
Notes:
“Unhappy India” was written by Lala Lajpat Rai. It was published in the year 1928. The book was a reply to “Mother India” written by Katherine Mayo.
7. Which purpose does the World Bank support with loans and financing? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Supplying foreign currency in balance-of-payments crises
[B] Supporting development projects on poverty and infrastructure
[C] Funding military and defense expenditures
[D] Financing banking in developed countries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Supporting development projects on poverty and infrastructure]
Notes:
The World Bank provides financing to developing countries for development projects including poverty reduction, infrastructure, health, education, and sustainable growth. It offers low-interest loans and grants through institutions like IDA and IBRD. Its projects focus on increasing access to basic services, clean water, sanitation, and improving living conditions. The institution has funded thousands of development projects since its inception in 1944.
8. Which instrument is used to measure blood pressure?
[A] Manometer
[B] Barometer
[C] Sphygmomanometer
[D] Anemometer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sphygmomanometer]
Notes:
Blood pressure is measured using sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is the ratio of systolic pressure to diastolic pressure and the normal blood pressure rate is 120/80.
9. Who is the author of the book “The Black Swan”?
[A] Nassim Nicholas Taleb
[B] Paul Robin Krugman
[C] Millicent Fawcett
[D] Arthur Pigou
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nassim Nicholas Taleb]
Notes:
Nassim Nicholas Taleb wrote “The Black Swan,” which examines rare, unpredictable events and their outsized impact.
10. Which of the following two nation’s responsibility is Andorra’ defence?
[A] France and Italy
[B] Spain and Italy
[C] France and Spain
[D] Italy and Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [France and Spain]
Notes:
Andorra neither has an official military nor a ministry of defence. It has a ceremonial army made up of 12 male volunteers. Since the country is landlocked, it has no navy. Andorra maintained neutrality during World War II.
