1. Who is the author of the book “Welcome to Nowhere”?
[A] David Olusoga
[B] Malorie Blackman
[C] Revathi Suresh
[D] Elizabeth Laird
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Elizabeth Laird]
Notes:
The book “Welcome to Nowhere” has been authored by acclaimed children’s writer Elizabeth Laird. This is a book about war and its consequences. Through book, author tells the story of 12-year-old Omar, his parents and four siblings, all of who are caught in the crossfire as civil war rages over Syria. Laird references real-life events and gives you great characters, heartwarming moments and even occasional humour.
2. International Biodiesel Day (IBD) is celebrated on which date?
[A] August 11
[B] August 12
[C] August 10
[D] August 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [August 10]
Notes:
August 10 is International Biodiesel Day. This day spreads awareness about the benefits of biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It is biodegradable and cleaner for the environment compared to fossil fuels. Celebrating International Biodiesel Day promotes the production and use of this eco-friendly fuel option.
3. India’s Pinaka weapon / weapon system can be placed in which of the following categories?
[A] Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher
[B] Ballistic Missile
[C] Anti-Missile System
[D] Cruise Missile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher]
Notes:
Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launch (MBRL) system developed by DRDO for Indian Army. It is one of the most reliable and effective weapon systems of the Indian Army. Complete Pinaka MBRL has six launcher vehicles, each having 12 rockets with six loader-replenishment vehicles and two command post vehicles with a fire control computer and DIGICORA MET radar. It was used in 1999 Kargil war in which it proved its worth.
4. Which of the following country is not a member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization?
[A] Russia
[B] Britain
[C] China
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Britain]
Notes:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. It is the creation of china which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China. Its members are China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
5. Who among the following was the author of “Jaisalmer ka Gundaraj”?
[A] Hari Singh Burdak
[B] Sagarmal Gopa
[C] Kesari Singh Barahath
[D] Arjun Singh Gurjar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sagarmal Gopa]
Notes:
Sagarmal Gopa was a freedom fighter and patriot from Rajasthan, India. He took active part in the non-cooperation movement in 1921. He was the author of Jaisalmer ka Gundaraj.
6. The author of book ‘Bhaktamala’ is ?
[A] Jnandeva
[B] Sakatyana
[C] Mahaviracharya
[D] Nabhadasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nabhadasa]
Notes:
Nabhadasa belonged to the Ramanandi tradition and his book “Bhaktamala” , written in the late 16th century, contains accounts of approx 600 saints viz. Ramanuja, Madhva, Ramananda, Nimbarka, etc. In it, each saint is depicted in a few lines of verse.
7. The book “Tabaqat-i-Nasiri” written by whom?
[A] Hasan Nizami
[B] Amir Khusrau
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Minhaj-i-Siraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Minhaj-i-Siraj]
Notes:
The Persian historian, Minhaj-i-Siraj composed Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, which accounts the historical events of the Islamic world from the days Adam to the year 1260 AD (when it was completed). This political history is written in Persian language for Sultan Nasir ud din Mahmud (1246–1266 AD), the slave dynasty ruler.
8. Who is recognized as the author of the renowned Sanskrit epic, Kiratarjuniya?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bharavi]
Notes:
Bharavi is the known author of the epic Sanskrit poem “Kiratarjuniya”, which translates as “Arjuna and the Mountain Man”. This 6th-century poet is recognized for this contribution to Sanskrit literature, making him a notabled figure in cultural and literature history.
9. Who among the following was the author of ‘Ratiratnapradipika’ ?
[A] Praudha Raya
[B] Srinatha
[C] Kavi Linga
[D] Krishnadevaraya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Praudha Raya]
Notes:
The emperor of Vijayanagara Empire, Praudha Raya wrote the Ratiratnapradipika, a book on erotics.
10. At which one of the cities labelled as A, B, C and D on the given map of Europe was the historic treaty between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries signed in 1998?

(UPSC Prelims 2000)
[A] A
[B] B
[C] C
[D] D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [C]
Notes:
In the given figure of Europe the ‘c’ marked city is Brussels, where historic treaty between NATO and warsaw pact was signed in 1998.
Brussels, officially the Brussels-Capital Region, is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium.