1. Who is the author of the book “Lincoln in the Bardo”?
[A] Junot Díaz
[B] George Saunders
[C] Marie Claire
[D] Zadie Smith
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Correct Answer: B [George Saunders]
Notes:
The book “Lincoln in the Bardo” has been authored by George Saunders, the Folio prize-winning author. The novel is a tale of death and beyond that captures the grief of Abraham Lincoln over the death of his 11-year-old son Willie while the Civil War raged on in the United States of America (USA). The book draws a parallel line between the lives of Willie’s ghost and a similar uncertain state of Lincoln, after the boy’s death. In simple words, the novel is a confrontation with the mysterious beyond the inevitable death, a question that has haunted humankind, and the way death can bring even the head of a nation to his knees.
2. The establishment of SAARC food bank was decided in which of the following SAARC summits?
[A] Dhaka 2005
[B] Colombo 2008
[C] Colombo 2008
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Colombo 2008]
Notes:
The SAARC Food Bank was established during the 15th SAARC Summit held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2008. This initiative aimed to address food security issues among member countries by providing a mechanism for food assistance during crises. The food bank is a important step towards regional cooperation in agriculture and food security within South Asia, which is home to a large population facing food scarcity challenges.
3. The Treaty of Portsmouth brought an end to a war in 1905 fought between?
[A] Russia & Japan
[B] Romania & Bulgaria
[C] Russia & Turkey
[D] Russia & USA
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Correct Answer: A [Russia & Japan]
Notes:
Treaty of Portsmouth ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The treaty was signed on September 5, 1905 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The treaty was signed by Japanese and Russian diplomats after negotiations from August 6 to August 30. The treaty ended the war that began in 1904. The war was caused by Russian and Japanese expansionism in the Far East. The war contributed to domestic unrest in both countries, which led to the Russian revolution of 1905. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in the negotiations and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
4. Which of the following conflicts was put to an end by Dayton Agreement?
[A] Algerian War
[B] Vietnam War
[C] Bosnian War
[D] Chinese Civil War
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Correct Answer: C [Bosnian War]
Notes:
Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) ended the Bosnian War, which was part of the Yugoslav Wars. The DPA was signed on December 1995 after months of negotiations. The war lasted three and a half years and was known for its violence and atrocities. The war resulted in about 100,000 deaths and displaced two million people. The DPA also outlined a constitutional framework for peace in Bosnia. The DPA was reached by the presidents of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. The agreement was brokered by American diplomat Richard Holbrooke. The negotiations began in the Balkans and ended in Dayton, Ohio.
5. Which is called the “Soft Loan Window” of the World Bank?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] International Finance Corporation
[C] International Development Association
[D] World Trade Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [International Development Association]
Notes:
The International Development Association (IDA) was established in 1960 as part of the World Bank Group. IDA offers highly concessional loans and grants to the world’s poorest countries. As of fiscal year 2025, IDA has provided $600 billion to 116 countries. Its concessional loans typically have repayment periods of up to 40 years with long grace periods and low or zero interest.
6. Transnationality Index is prepared and released by which of the following?
[A] World Trade Organization
[B] World Economic Forum
[C] UNCTAD
[D] International Monetary Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UNCTAD]
Notes:The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) developed the Transnationality Index (TNI). The TNI is used to rank multinational corporations. It is calculated as the average of three ratios:
- The ratio of foreign assets to total assets
- The ratio of foreign sales to total sales
- The ratio of foreign employment to total employment
The TNI has been used since 1990 to rank the world’s 100 largest non-financial TNCs. It can be used for comparative analysis with similar surveys conducted in other countries.
The TNI has shown that the average index value for developing economies’ TNCs has increased over time.
7. Which among the following navies took part in Varuna naval exercise ?
[A] India and England
[B] India and France
[C] India and Singapore
[D] India and Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India and France]
Notes:
The Varuna naval exercise is a biennial military exercise between India and France, focusing on enhancing interoperability and maritime security. The first Varuna exercise took place in 2001, and it has since evolved to include various naval operations, showcasing advanced naval capabilities. France is a key strategic partner for India, particularly in defense and maritime cooperation.
8. Consider the following treaties and agreements:
- Berlin Plus Agreement
- Washington Treaty
- Treaty of Brussels
- Two Plus Four Treaty
Which of the above contains the provision that an armed attack against one or more members in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against all members, forming the cornerstone of NATO?
[A] Only 2
[B] 1 and 3
[C] 1, 2 and 4
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2]
Notes:
The Washington Treaty (North Atlantic Treaty), signed in 1949, established NATO. Article 5 of the Treaty states that an armed attack against one or more NATO members in Europe or North America is to be considered an attack against all. The other agreements listed do not contain this defining NATO provision.
9. Who among the following authored the book “Dasbodh”?
[A] Guru Ramdas
[B] Tara bai
[C] Dadajikondadev
[D] Jija bai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Ramdas]
Notes:
In 1654 AD, Dasbodh was written in Marathi language by Samrath Guru Ramdas, a religious Hindu poet from Maharastra. It provides readers with spiritual guidance on matters viz. devotion and acquiring knowledge. He was the spiritual Guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
10. Some countries consider the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) discriminatory because__:
[A] It seeks to prevent of nuclear energy for all purposes including peaceful purposes
[B] It gives the right to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes to only some countries
[C] It prevents the countries to withdraw from the treaty once they have joined it
[D] None of the above is a correct answer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ None of the above is a correct answer ]
Notes:
NPT is a worldwide treaty that bans all members except the United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States from having nuclear weapons and commits those five states to eventually eliminating their atomic arsenals. India, Israel, Pakistan have never signed the treaty whereas North Korea acceded in 1985 but, withdrawn in 2003.
