1. Who among the following is the author of the “Divine Comedy”?
[A] Goethe
[B] Milton
[C] Dante
[D] Shakespeare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dante ]
Notes:
The Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri between c. 1308 and his death in 1321. It is widely considered the preeminent work of Italian literature, and is seen as one of the greatest works of world literature. The poem’s imaginative and allegorical vision of the afterlife is a culmination of the medieval world-view as it had developed in the Western Church. It helped establish the Tuscan dialect, in which it is written, as the standardized Italian language.
2. Which was the first country in Asia to have large scale industrialization?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Japan ]
Notes:
Japan was the first country in Asia to industrialize on a large scale. Industrialization began in Japan after the fall of the Tokugawa government in 1868. Japan industrialized faster than many European countries.
Japan’s industrialization was prompted by the need to improve the nation’s defenses against foreign threats. Local clans developed industrialization by copying Western examples and using traditional craft skills. Japan’s production included steel, machinery, metal goods, and chemicals, which were produced in quantities large enough for export.
Other Asian countries that have industrialized include: South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong.
3. The Treaty of Portsmouth brought an end to a war in 1905 fought between?
[A] Russia & Japan
[B] Romania & Bulgaria
[C] Russia & Turkey
[D] Russia & USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Russia & Japan]
Notes:
Treaty of Portsmouth ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The treaty was signed on September 5, 1905 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The treaty was signed by Japanese and Russian diplomats after negotiations from August 6 to August 30. The treaty ended the war that began in 1904. The war was caused by Russian and Japanese expansionism in the Far East. The war contributed to domestic unrest in both countries, which led to the Russian revolution of 1905. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in the negotiations and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
4. which date is observed “International Anti-Corruption Day”?
[A] October 1
[B] December 9
[C] January 17
[D] February 22
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [December 9]
Notes:
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on December 9th each year. This global observance is promoted by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption and to encourage countries, governments, organizations, and individuals to take measures to combat and prevent corruption. It provides an opportunity for governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to come together to discuss and promote anti-corruption initiatives and strategies. The goal is to create a world in which corruption is less prevalent, transparent governance is promoted, and the rule of law is upheld.
5. Great Purge, a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution is related to which of the following countries?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] USA
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
It`s worth note that Abaninath Mukherji or Abani Mukherji, who was one of the cofounders of Communist Party of India was a victim of the Great Purge, orchestrated by Joseph Stalin in 1936-1938. It was a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union. Abani Mukherji died in Soviet Union in 1937 when he was executed and his death was acknowledged only after 1955
6. On which of the following dates World Press Freedom Day is observed in May ?
[A] May 1
[B] May 3
[C] May 6
[D] May 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [May 3]
Notes:
World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 each year. Established by the United Nations in 1993, this day highlights the importance of press freedom and the role of journalism in promoting democracy and human rights. The date commemorates the Windhoek Declaration, which advocates for a free, independent, and pluralistic press.
7. Who is the author of the book ‘The Perils of Democracy’?
[A] P. S. Ramamohan Rao
[B] P. C. Alexander
[C] Gurudas Kamat
[D] Shankar Dayal Sharma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [P. C. Alexander]
Notes:
The book ‘The Perils of Democracy’ is authored by P.C. Alexander. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the democracy and constitution of India. Alexander with his deep knowledge and experience in politics, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, its implications on the Indian constitution, and offers insights into how it can affect the citizens and the nation as a whole.
8. “The Uniting for Peace Resolution” adopted by the U.N. has which of the following features? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] Enhanced the powers of the General Assembly in a comprehensive way
[B] Reduced the powers of the General Assembly
[C] Made no difference to the powers of the General Assembly
[D] Empowered the General Assembly to act in specific situations in matters of peace and security
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Empowered the General Assembly to act in specific situations in matters of peace and security]
Notes:
The Uniting for Peace resolution was initiated by the United States and submitted by the “Joint Seven-Powers” in October 1950, as a means of circumventing further Soviet vetoes during the course of the Korean War .It was adopted by 52 votes to 5, with 2 abstentions. It has empowered the General Assembly to act in specific situations in matters of peace and security.
9. International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is being celebrated all over the world on which date? (UPSC Prelims 2005)
[A] November 4
[B] November 5
[C] November 7
[D] November 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [November 6]
Notes:
On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year to be celebrated as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. It aims to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.
10. Who has been appointed as the new director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization?
[A] Suresh Tripathi
[B] Sandeep Ghosla
[C] Tushar Bansal
[D] Suman Billa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Suman Billa ]
Notes:
Kerala cadre senior IAS officer Suman Billa will join the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) at its headquarters in Madrid, Spain. A 1996 batch IAS officer, he will assume charge as Director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Development at D1 level at UNWTO, a specialised agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.