1. Which among the following is not correctly matched?
[A] International Migrants Day – December 18
[B] International Volunteer Day – December 5
[C] International Day of Older Persons – October 1
[D] All matched correctly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All matched correctly]
Notes:
The correct answer is “All matched correctly.” – International Migrants Day is indeed observed on December 18 to promote awareness of the rights of migrants. – International Volunteer Day is celebrated on December 5 to recognize the contributions of volunteers. – International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly. Since all the dates are accurately matched with their respective observances, the statement “All matched correctly” is true.
2. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on which date during World War-II?
[A] January 7, 1941
[B] December 20, 1941
[C] March 7, 1941
[D] December 7, 1941
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [December 7, 1941]
Notes:
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by by Japan on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu on December 7, 1941. Till that date, United States was neutral but entered into Second World War after this.
3. On which of the following dates,Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas is observed in India every year on the birth day of Rajiv Gandhi?
[A] April 20
[B] April 25
[C] August 20
[D] August 25
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [August 20]
Notes:
Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas is observed on August 20 each year, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was born on August 20, 1944. This day promotes renewable energy and sustainable development in India, reflecting Gandhi’s vision for a modern and environmentally conscious nation.
4. What name was given to the first assault launched in the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier by the Indian Armed Forces in 1984?
[A] Operation Vijay
[B] Operation Meghdoot
[C] Operation Black Sky
[D] Operation Ganga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Operation Meghdoot]
Notes:
Operation Meghdoot was an Indian armed forces operation launched on 13 April 1984 to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. The operation was entrusted to one of the Kumaon Battalions, supported by Ladakh Scouts. Initial assault was led by Maj (later Col ) RS Sandhu, VrC. This military operation was unique because it was the first assault launched in world’s highest battlefield.
5. Who among the following was the author of Nuh Sipihr?
[A] Abul Fazal
[B] Gulbadan Begum
[C] Inayat Khan
[D] Amir Khusrau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amir Khusrau]
Notes:
The famous Sufi poet, Amir Khusrau wrote a masnavi on the Tughlaq dynasty ruler, Mubarak Shah as “Nuh Sipihr” (Nine Skies), relating the events of Mubarak Shah’s rule. Excerpts of the works done by him are Tughluq Nama, Wast-ul-Hayat, Ashiqa, Khamsa, Baqia-Naqia, etc. He was the court poet of Alauddin Khilji and a spiritual disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi.
6. Who among the following authors wrote “Bhanuchandracharita”?
[A] Siddhichandra Upadhayaya
[B] Sujan Rai
[C] Padma Shankar
[D] Jagannatha Pandit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Siddhichandra Upadhayaya]
Notes:
Bhanu-Chandra Charita written by Siddhichandra Upadhayaya (a Jain ascetic) in Sanskrit language, which gives an account of the Jain mission to Akbar’s court. Like Hirvijayasuri ji, Shanti Chandra Upadhayaya, he was one of the most popular Jain saint in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar, who gave the title of Khus-faham (a man of sharp intellect) to Siddhichandra Upadhayaya.
7. Ratnavali, Priyadarsika and Nagananda are famous plays written by _?
[A] Harsha
[B] Kalidas
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Shudraka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harsha]
Notes:
Ratnavali, Priyadarsika and Nagananda are famous plays written by the powerful Indian Emperor Harsha
8. Consider the following organizations:
- G-20
- ASEAN
- SAARC
- APEC
- IORA
With reference to India, which of the organizations given above is / are those where India is NOT a member?
[A] 4 Only
[B] 2 and 4 Only
[C] 2, 4 and 5 Only
[D] 2 and 4 Only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2 and 4 Only]
Notes:
India is not a member of ASEAN and APEC. ASEAN is a Southeast Asian regional body and India is a dialogue partner, not a member. APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) also does not include India. India is a member of the G-20, SAARC, and IORA.
9. Who is the author of book ‘New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy’? (UPSC Prelims 2003)
[A] A B Vajpayee
[B] Jaswant Singh
[C] P C Alexander
[D] Yashwant Sinha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A B Vajpayee]
Notes:
A B Vajpayee is the author of book ‘New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy’. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an Indian politician, statesman and a poet who served three terms as the Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and finally, for a full term from 1999 to 2004.
10. The annual exercise named ‘Exercise Topchi’ was organized in which of the following places of India?
[A] Nashik
[B] Mumbai
[C] Pune
[D] Aurangabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pune]
Notes:
The annual exercise named ‘Exercise Topchi’ was organized in Pune (Deolali Camp). The displayed aviation helicopters were light combat helicopter, indigenous advanced light helicopter, Cheetah & Chetak helicopters.