1. Who is the author of the book “The Wrong Turn: Love and Betrayal in the Time of Netaji”?
[A] Aalap Roy
[B] Aadishri Roy
[C] Sujata Bose
[D] Namita Roy Ghose
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Namita Roy Ghose]
Notes:
The book “The Wrong Turn: Love and Betrayal in the Time of Netaji” has been authored by Sanjay Chopra and Namita Roy Ghose. It is a sweeping tale of passion set against the freedom struggle.
2. On which among the following dates, we celebrate “Human Rights Day”?
[A] 10th December
[B] 11th December
[C] 12th December
[D] 13th December
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [10th December]
Notes:
The Human Rights Day (HRD) is observed every year on December 10 to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 as the shared standard benchmark to protect human rights across the world.
3. Which among the following was founded in 1974 in response to the Indian nuclear test in Pokharan?
[A] Nuclear Threat Initiative
[B] International Atomic Energy Agency
[C] Nuclear Suppliers Group
[D] Nonproliferation for Global Security Foundation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nuclear Suppliers Group]
Notes:
Nuclear Suppliers Group was formed by seven countries viz. Canada, West Germany, France, Japan, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States in response to the ‘Smiling Buddha’ (Pokharan-I) of India in 1974. It was clear from this adventure of India that certain non-weapons specific nuclear technology could be readily turned to weapons development, since it was alleged that India used the Canada sourced material to make bomb. The objective of the NSG was to reduce nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be applicable to nuclear weapon development and by improving safeguards and protection on existing materials.
4. On which of the following dates, First-ever Income Tax day celebrations were held in India?
[A] July 24, 2010
[B] July 30, 2010
[C] July 24, 2011
[D] July 30, 2012
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [July 24, 2010]
Notes:
The first-ever Income Tax Day celebrations in India were held on July 24, 2010. This date was chosen to honor the establishment of the Income Tax Department in India, which was formed on July 24, 1860. The celebrations aim to promote tax compliance and recognize the contributions of taxpayers to the nation’s development.
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 was the author of the book “Unhappy India” written as a response to the book “Mother India” ?
[A] Lala Lajpat Rai
[B] Lala Hardayal
[C] Mahatma Gandhi
[D] Balgangadhar Tilak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Lala Lajpat Rai]
Notes:
“Unhappy India” was written by Lala Lajpat Rai. It was published in the year 1928. The book was a reply to “Mother India” written by Katherine Mayo.
7. Which one of the following is used by the International Court of Justice in disputes concerning riparian rights? (UPSC Prelims 1992)
[A] Geneva Agreement
[B] Helsinki Agreement
[C] Paris Agreement
[D] Reykjavik Agreement
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Reykjavik Agreement]
Notes:
Riparian water rights are a system for allocating water among those who possess land along its path. It has its origins in English common law. Riparian water rights exist in many jurisdictions with a common law heritage. Riparian rights also depend upon “reasonable use”.
8. Which famous author has written the books “The Shadow Lines”, “The Hungry Tide”, and “Ibis Trilogy”? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[A] Kiran Desai
[B] Jhumpa Lahiri
[C] Amitav Ghosh
[D] Arundhati Roy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Amitav Ghosh]
Notes:
Amitav Ghosh is a renowned Indian author known for his rich and complex novels that weave together personal stories and historical events. His literary works also include “The Shadow Lines”, “The Hungry Tide” and the “Ibis Trilogy”. Ghosh’s novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and have won him numerous awards. His unique literary style blends historical detail, political commentary, and elements of the surreal.
9. Who was the author of Ajita-Santi-Stava?
[A] Dharmadasagani
[B] Nandishena
[C] Mahesvarasuri
[D] Uddyotanasuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nandishena]
Notes:
Nandishena was the author of Ajita-Santi-Stava. Kuvalayamala was written by Uddyotanasuri. Dharmadasagani wrote Updesmala and Mahesvarasuri composed a religious tale called Jnanapanchami-Katha.
10. Which two nations were involved in “Ping-pong Diplomacy”?
[A] China and North Korea
[B] North Korea and United States of America
[C] China and United States of America
[D] Japan and United States of America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China and United States of America]
Notes:
The diplomatic relations between China and the United States of America of the early 1970s were known as “Ping-pong Diplomacy”. Ping-pong is the Chinese word of Table Tennis. It involves the exchange of table tennis players between the United States of America and China in the early 1970s. This particular gesture boosted the Sino-American Relations with the visit of President Richard Nixon to Beijing in 1972.