1. Which of the following are two works of Kalidasa?
[A] Raghuvamsha and Kiratarjuniya
[B] Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha
[C] Malti Madhava and Kumara Sambhava
[D] Malti Madhav and Kumara Sambhava
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha ]
Notes:
Kalidasa was one of the gems of the court of Gupta king Chandragupta II (375–415 CE). The poems he wrote were usually of epic proportions and were written in classical Sanskrit. He wrote two epic poems called Kumara sambhava, which means birth of Kumara and the Raghuvamsha, which means dynasty of Raghu. There are also two lyric poems written by Kalidasa known as Meghadutta that stands for cloud messenger and the Ritusamhara that means description of the seasons. Meghadutta is one of the finest works of Kalidasa in terms of world literature. The beauty of the continuity in flawless Sanskrit is unmatched till date. The most famous and beautiful work of Kalidasa is the Shakuntalam. It is the second play of Kalidasa after he wrote Malavikagnimitra. The Shakuntalam tells the story of king Dushyant who falls in love with a beautiful girl Shakuntala, who happens to be the daughter of a saint.
2. At which among the following places, first summit of SAARC had taken place?
[A] Islamabad
[B] New Delhi
[C] Dhaka
[D] Katmandu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dhaka]
Notes:
SAARC is regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union in South Asia. It promotes development of economical and regional integration.
Member Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan (joined in 2007
The first SAARC summit was held in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in December 1985.
3. On which date, National Panchayati Raj Day is observed?
[A] January 28
[B] February 26
[C] March 11
[D] April 24
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [April 24]
Notes:
In India, April 24th is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas every year. This day marks the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993
4. Southern Air command of India is located at
[A] Chennai
[B] Bangalore
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Thiruvanathapuram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Thiruvanathapuram]
Notes:
The Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram. It is on the southwestern side of India. This is one among the seven commands of IAF. This command was started on 19 July 1984 and is relatively new among the other commands.
5. Which of the following is an initiative of European Union that involves the creation of a zone for the euro wherein all electronic payments are considered domestic, and a difference between national and intra-European cross border payments doesn’t exist?
[A] Euro zone
[B] Single Euro Payment Area
[C] Eurocheque
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Single Euro Payment Area]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Single Euro Payment Area” (SEPA). SEPA is an initiative by the European Union aimed at simplifying bank transfers denominated in euros. It allows for seamless electronic payments across member states, treating them as domestic transactions. Established in 2008, SEPA enhances efficiency and reduces costs for consumers and businesses, promoting financial integration within the Eurozone.
6. Which among the following does not correctly denote the headquarters of Indian Army’s Operational Command?
[A] Eastern Command – Kolkata
[B] Western Command – Chandimandir
[C] Northern Command – Udhampur
[D] Southern Command – Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Southern Command – Chennai]
Notes:
Southern Command – Chennai does not correctly denote the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Operational Command. The headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Army is actually located in Pune, not Chennai.
7. In context with the Vietnam War, the following statements holds correct?
[A] The US backed North Vietnam side and USSR was neutral
[B] The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR was neutral
[C] The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR backed North Vietnam side
[D] The US backed North Vietnam side and USSR backed South Vietnam side
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR backed North Vietnam side]
Notes:
The correct answer is: “The US backed South Vietnam side and USSR backed North Vietnam side.” During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the United States supported the anti-communist government of South Vietnam, while the Soviet Union provided military and economic support to the communist North Vietnam. This conflict was a important aspect of the Cold War, illustrating the global struggle between capitalism (led by the US) and communism (led by the USSR). The war resulted in millions of casualties and important geopolitical changes in Southeast Asia.
8. What is the name of the postal circle which caters to the postal services of the Armed Forces of India?
[A] Arms Circle
[B] Base circle
[C] Cant Circle
[D] Green Circle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Base circle]
Notes:
Apart from the 23 postal circles in which India has been divided, India Post also has a Base Circle to cater to the postal communication needs of the Armed Forces. The Base Circle is headed by an Additional Director General, Army Postal Service in the rank of a Major General.
9. Which among the following was the immediate result of the Velvet Revolution of 1989 in Czechoslovakia ?
[A] It ended the authoritative rule & first democratic elections were held
[B] The country was peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia
[C] Czechoslovakia was turned into a federation of the Czech Socialist Republic and Slovak Socialist Republic
[D] The economy of the country got devastated
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It ended the authoritative rule & first democratic elections were held]
Notes:
The Velvet Revolution of 1989 was a series of peaceful protests and political events that took place in Czechoslovakia, leading to the overthrow of the Communist government and the transition to a democratic system. The Velvet Revolution, which is also known as the Gentle Revolution, began in November 1989 with a student demonstration in Prague, which was met with a violent response from the government. This sparked widespread protests and strikes, which quickly spread across the country and put pressure on the government to reform. After weeks of protests and negotiations, the Communist leadership was forced to resign, and a new government was formed. The Velvet Revolution is considered to be one of the key events of the collapse of the Communist bloc in Eastern Europe.
10. COMESA is a regional organization active in which of the following?
[A] South America
[B] Africa
[C] Asia Pacific
[D] Central Asia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Africa]
Notes:
COMESA- Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
