International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, M Venkaiah Naidu has recently released a book titled “Gandhi in Champaran” authored by noted author Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar at National Mahatma Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. Naidu also released a book containing a collection of letters and articles of the correspondence between Nobel laureate Romain Rolland and Mahatma Gandhi as well as DG Tendulkar’s 8 volume biography of Mahatama Gandhi.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released a book ‘Matoshree’, authored by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in New Delhi on April 11, 2017. The book ‘Matoshree’ covers the life and times of legendary Devi Ahilyabai Holker who ruled the Holkar Empire spread over the Malwa region from 1767 to 1795. Ahilyabai Holkar was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime and considered as a saint by people after her death. She is remembered and worshipped by people for her exemplary governance, sense of justice and fairness.

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BIMSTEC-Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
The BIMSTEC is sub-regional grouping comprising of seven countries of South Asia- India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and South East Asia- – Myanmar, Thailand. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered at Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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The Universal Health Coverage Day (UHCD) is observed annually on December 12 to promote the human right to health. The day is the anniversary of the first unanimous United Nations resolution calling for all nations to provide for their citizens affordable, quality health care and is promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Notes:
Balika Diwas, or National Girl Child Day, is celebrated in India on January 24 each year. However, the date mentioned in the options is incorrect. The day aims to promote the rights of girls and highlight issues they face. It was first observed in 2008 and is part of the government’s efforts to improve the status of girls in society.

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The name of the upper house of the European union is Council of the European Union. It is composed of twenty-eight national ministers (one per state).

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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.

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Admiral Vishnu Baghwat is the first and only Chief of Naval Staff of India to be dismissed while in service. He was removed in 1998 due to differences with the government over various issues, including the handling of the Kargil War. This incident marked a important moment in Indian military history, which indicates the tensions between military leadership and political authority.

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The Washington Treaty (North Atlantic Treaty), signed in 1949, established NATO. Article 5 of the Treaty states that an armed attack against one or more NATO members in Europe or North America is to be considered an attack against all. The other agreements listed do not contain this defining NATO provision.

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The Dumbarton Oaks Conference was a series of meetings held at the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D.C. in 1944. The conference was attended by representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China, and was aimed at discussing the creation of a new international organization to maintain peace and security after World War II. The conference resulted in the drafting of the United Nations Charter, which was signed by the participating countries in 1945 and came into effect in 1945. The charter established the United Nations as an international organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations.