1. The “Peninsula Shield Force” is active in which region of the earth?
[A] South East Asia
[B] Africa
[C] Middle East
[D] South America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Middle East]
Notes:
Peninsula Shield Force is the military side of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC, which intends to deter, and respond to, military aggression against any of the GCC member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
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. Which of the following is an initiative of European Union that involves the creation of a zone for the euro wherein all electronic payments are considered domestic, and a difference between national and intra-European cross border payments doesn’t exist?
[A] Euro zone
[B] Single Euro Payment Area
[C] Eurocheque
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Single Euro Payment Area]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Single Euro Payment Area” (SEPA). SEPA is an initiative by the European Union aimed at simplifying bank transfers denominated in euros. It allows for seamless electronic payments across member states, treating them as domestic transactions. Established in 2008, SEPA enhances efficiency and reduces costs for consumers and businesses, promoting financial integration within the Eurozone.
4. Which of the following central paramilitary forces does not have its headquarters in New Delhi?
[A] Border Security Force
[B] Indo-Tibetan Border Police
[C] Assam Rifles
[D] Rastriya Rifles
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assam Rifles]
Notes:
The correct answer is Assam Rifles. Unlike the Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which are headquartered in New Delhi, the Assam Rifles is based in Shillong, Meghalaya. Established in 1835, it is one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India, primarily tasked with maintaining peace in the northeastern states.
5. In context with the environment , February 2 is observed as which among the following days?
[A] Earth Day
[B] World Oceans Day
[C] World Water Day
[D] World Wetlands Day
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [World Wetlands Day]
Notes:
February 2nd is World Wetlands Day. This day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and how to restore them. It also commemorates the Ramsar Convention, which was signed on February 2nd, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
6. The Jasmine Revolution of late 2010, is related to which among the following countries?
[A] Egypt
[B] Myanmar
[C] Poland
[D] Tunisia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tunisia]
Notes:
The Tunisian Revolution is also called the Jasmine Revolution. It was an intensive 28-day campaign of civil resistance. It led to the ousting of longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.
7. The book “Amoghvritti” written by whom?
[A] Somadeva
[B] Saktayana
[C] Kshemendra
[D] Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Saktayana]
Notes:
The book “Amoghvritti” written by Saktayana during the reign of Rashtrakuta dynasty ruler Amoghavarsha I (800–878 AD).
8. 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.
9. Which of the following was established through the Maastricht Treaty?
[A] European Union
[B] Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
[C] International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
[D] Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ European Union ]
Notes:
The Maastricht Treaty is responsible for the establishment of the European Union in 1993, and it introduced the concept of European citizenship.
10. The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is released by which of the following organisations?
[A] International Organization on Computer Evidence (IOCE)
[B] International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
[C] Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
[D] International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [International Telecommunication Union (ITU)]
Notes:
The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is a multi-stakeholder initiative to measure the commitment of countries to cybersecurity. It is released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). India is ranked a high 23rd out of 165 nations in the index. India has secured a score of .683. The list has been topped by Singapore with a score with a score of .925. India has been listed in the “maturing” category, which refers to 77 countries that have developed complex commitments to cybersecurity and engage in cybersecurity programmes and initiatives.
