1. Birth anniversary of which among the following leaders is observed as National Education Day?
[A] S Radhakrishnanan
[B] Dr. Rajendra Prasad
[C] Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
[D] Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maulana Abul Kalam Azad]
Notes:
National Education Day of India is celebrated on 11 November every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India, who served from 15 August 1947 until 2 February 1958.
2. START or Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is a series of treaties (START!, STARTII etc. ) negotiated between which of the two nuclear powers of the world?
[A] US & Russia
[B] US & India
[C] US & China
[D] India & Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [US & Russia]
Notes:
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was a series of treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union (and later Russia). The treaties aimed to reduce the number of nuclear warheads and missiles and bombers capable of delivering such weapons. The treaties were signed after the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT). The treaties were: START I, START II, START III, New START. The treaties were the first significant reduction in the number of strategic nuclear weapons in both the U.S. and the Soviet stockpiles. The treaties were signed in 1991 and entered into force in 1994. The treaties are the last remaining nuclear arms control pact between Russia and the U.S. The term “strategic arms” refers to nuclear weapons with strategic range. These weapons are mated to delivery systems that can reach targets across intercontinental distances.
3. On which date International Women’s Day was observed?
[A] March 8
[B] March 11
[C] March 18
[D] March 28
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [March 8]
Notes:
International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 each year. This date was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, although its roots trace back to the early 20th century, with the first official celebration occurring in 1911. The day highlights women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality globally.
4. Who is the author of the book “Equilibrium Unemployment Theory”?
[A] Christopher A. Pissarides
[B] Dale T. Mortensen
[C] Peter A. Diamond
[D] Oliver Williamson
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Christopher A. Pissarides]
Notes:
The book “Equilibrium Unemployment Theory” is authored by Christopher A. Pissarides. It is a comprehensive work that focuses on unemployment dynamics, job creation, and job destruction. The author introduces the theory of equilibrium unemployment – a framework which has been highly influential in the economics field. Additionally, Pissarides’s work in the search and matching theory of frictional unemployment, along with his contribution to the book has earned him a share of the 2010 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.
5. Who among the following was the President of United States of America, at the time of famous “Camp David Accords“?
[A] Gerald Ford
[B] Jimmy Carter
[C] Ronald Reagan
[D] Richard M Nixon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jimmy Carter]
Notes:
The Camp David Accords were a pair of political agreements signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on 17 September 1978. It was following twelve days of secret negotiations at Camp David, the country retreat of the President of the United States in Maryland under the President Jimmy Carter.
6. The International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on:
[A] 20th February
[B] 21st February
[C] 20th March
[D] 21st March
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 21st March]
Notes:
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21st. The United Nations declared this day in 1966. The day is commemorated as Human Rights Day in South Africa, where the Sharpeville Massacre occurred. This event led to the creation of the day.
7. Who among the following was the author of Akbarnama?
[A] Akbar
[B] Birbal
[C] Fakir Aziao Din
[D] Abul Fazal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Abul Fazal]
Notes:
Abul Fazl was the author of Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar’s reign in 3 volumes. This book gives the history of Akbar’s forefathers from Timur to Humayun and Akbar’s reign till 1602 AD. Abul Fazl was one of the nine jewels in the royal court of Akbar.
8. Who is the author of the historical book titled “Eighteen Fifty Seven”?
[A] SB Chaudhari
[B] Surendra Nath Sen
[C] PC Joshi
[D] AT Embree
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Surendra Nath Sen]
Notes:
The book “Eighteen Fifty Seven-1857” was authored by the highly recognized historian, Surendra Nath Sen. This significant historical work brings to life the events of the revolt that took place in India in 1857. It offers a detailed exploration of the rebellion, shedding light on an important period in Indian history. The forward of this book was written by Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, accentuating its relevance and gravity.
9. Consider the following reports:
- World Investment Report
- Global Economic Prospects
- Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF)
Which of the above is/are published by the World Bank?
[A] 1, 2 & 3
[B] 2 Only
[C] 2 & 3 Only
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2 & 3 Only]
Notes:
World Investment Report is published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Global Economic Prospects is a World Bank Group Flagship Report. Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) report is published by the World Bank.
10. How much is the range of Agni-II missile? (UPSC Prelims 2001)
[A] 500 km
[B] 2000 km
[C] 3500 km
[D] 5000 km
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2000 km]
Notes:
This missile has a theoretical maximum range of some 3,000 km with a 1,000 kg payload (conventional or strategic). Tested to range of over 2,000 km, the Agni-II has an all-solid propellant system.