1. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is an organ of __?
[A] World Bank
[B] United Nations
[C] International Monetary Fund
[D] World Economic Forum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Nations]
Notes:
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations for coordinating economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementing internationally agreed development goals.
2. “International Biodiversity Day” is celebrated on:
[A] 22 March
[B] 22 April
[C] 22 May
[D] 22 June
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [22 May]
Notes:
International Biodiversity Day is celebrated on 22nd May every year to raise awareness about biodiversity issues. This day commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992. 192 countries are party to this convention to promote sustainable development.
3. On which among the following dates, Army Day is observed?
[A] January 15
[B] February 15
[C] March 15
[D] April 15
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [January 15]
Notes:
The Indian Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India. It is celebrated in recognition of Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa who took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on January 15, 1949.
4. The “Peninsula Shield Force” is active in which region of the earth?
[A] South East Asia
[B] Africa
[C] Middle East
[D] South America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Middle East]
Notes:
Peninsula Shield Force is the military side of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC, which intends to deter, and respond to, military aggression against any of the GCC member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
5. Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), a collaborative food information initiative has been launched by ___?
[A] World Food Programme
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization
[C] G-20
[D] World Bank
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Correct Answer: C [G-20]
Notes:
In 2011, the G20 Ministers of Agriculture while recognizing the importance of timely, accurate and transparent information in addressing food price volatility launched the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), a collaborative food information initiative. AMIS builds on and complements existing systems and improves global food market information. AMIS is a platform through which countries, international organizations and the private sector can work together to strengthen synergies and collaboration in order to improve data reliability, timeliness and frequency. AMIS will also build developing countries’ capacity in market outlook analysis and promote policy dialogue.
6. The United Nations General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General of the United Nations on recommendation of which of the following organ?
[A] Security Council
[B] Secretariat
[C] International Court of Justice
[D] ICJ and Security Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Security Council]
Notes:
The correct answer is the Security Council. The United Nations General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General based on the recommendation of the Security Council, as outlined in Article 97 of the UN Charter. This process emphasizes the Security Council’s role in maintaining international peace and security, as the Secretary-General often acts as a mediator in conflicts. The first Secretary-General was Trygve Lie, appointed in 1946.
7. Who among the following was the last Director-General of GATT, and the first of the WTO ?
[A] Arthur Dunkel
[B] Peter Sutherland
[C] Renato Ruggiero
[D] Olivier Long
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Peter Sutherland]
Notes:
Peter Denis Sutherland was an Irish businessman, barrister and politician. He served as last Director-General of GATT, and the first of the WTO.
8. Which of the following organizations is implementing the “Memory of the World Programme“?
[A] World Economic Forum
[B] UNESCO
[C] UNICEF
[D] World Trade Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UNESCO]
Notes:
Memory of the World Programme is an initiative of UNESCO. It is an international initiative launched to safeguard the documentary heritage of humanity against collective amnesia, neglect, the ravages of time and climatic conditions, and willful and deliberate destruction.
9. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted which resolution to protect children in armed conflict?
[A] Resolution 2657
[B] Resolution 2537
[C] Resolution 2347
[D] Resolution 2427
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Resolution 2427]
Notes:
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted Resolution 2427 to protect children in armed conflict. It aimed at providing legal framework for mainstreaming protection, rights, well-being and empowerment of children throughout the conflict cycle. The resolution 2427, which won unanimous approval of the 15 members of the council, strongly condemns the recruitment and use of children by parties to armed conflict as well as their re-recruitment, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and abductions. It demands that all relevant parties immediately put an end to such practices and take special measures to protect children. The resolution also emphasizes the responsibility of all states to put an end to impunity and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children. The council was chaired by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.
10. Which state has proposed setting up India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for defence?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Telangana
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Telangana state government is planning to set up India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for defence. It aims to develop the ecosystem in the state in order to increase the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Boeing and Airbus, & others. The state government is in talks with several interested parties for setting up manufacturing centres in the state.