1. The North Atlantic Treaty is the treaty that brought NATO into existence, signed in Washington, DC on April 4, 1949 by how many countries?
[A] 10
[B] 12
[C] 15
[D] 20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [12]
Notes:
The North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) was signed by 12 countries on April 4, 1949 at the Departmental Auditorium in Washington, D.C.. The countries that signed the treaty were: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, The United Kingdom, The United States. The treaty established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a mutual defense treaty between the 12 nations. The purpose of NATO was to deter the Soviet Union from invading Western Europe. The treaty committed each member to share the risks, responsibilities, and benefits of collective defense. NATO is now an alliance of 31 nations from Europe and North America. The main purpose of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members by political and military means.
2. Which of the following organization publishes and continually updates the model tax convention which serves as a template for bilateral negotiations regarding tax coordination and cooperation?
[A] Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
[B] Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC
[C] G20
[D] UN
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)]
Notes:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 37 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. It is headquartered at Paris, France. The OECD publishes and updates a model tax convention that serves as a template for allocating taxation rights between countries.
3. AICHR is the first body of ASEAN related to which of the following?
[A] Human Rights
[B] Human Resources
[C] Hegemony
[D] Regional Trading
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Human Rights]
Notes:
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights
4. 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.
5. Which among the following is a Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile?
[A] Agni
[B] Prithvi
[C] Astra
[D] Nag
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Astra]
Notes:Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) among the options you’ve provided is “C) Astra.” Here’s some more detailed information:
- Agni: Agni is not an air-to-air missile; it’s a family of long-range ballistic missiles developed by India for delivering nuclear warheads. It is not designed for aerial combat.
- Prithvi: Prithvi is also not an air-to-air missile. It’s a short-range ballistic missile system designed for attacking ground targets.
- Astra: Astra is indeed a Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. Astra is designed to engage and destroy enemy aircraft at distances beyond visual range. It is a crucial component of India’s air defense capabilities.
- Nag: Nag is not an air-to-air missile either. It’s an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by India for use against armored vehicles and tanks.
In summary, (C) Astra” is the correct choice as the Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile among the options provided.
6. 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
7. Who was the author of Dashkumarcharitam and at whose court did he live?
[A] Dandin, Nandivarman II
[B] Bharavi, Nandivarman II
[C] Appar, Dandivarman I
[D] Bharavi, Narsimhavarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandin, Nandivarman II]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. Both Bharavi and Dandin, the authors of Kiratarjuniyam and Dasakumarcharitam respectively, lived in the Pallava court.
8. Who is the author of the biography of Saint Chaitanya?
[A] Raidas
[B] Krishnadas Kaviraj
[C] Chaitanya
[D] Jagjivan das
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Krishnadas Kaviraj]
Notes:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a renowned devotee of Lord Krishna and founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, had his life and teachings documented in a biography written by Krshnadas Kaviraj. This biography, entitled Chaitanya Charitamrita, provides detailed insights into his life, contributions, and teachings, validating Krshnadas Kaviraj as the author.
9. The Palemo Protocol is related to which of the following?
[A] Drug Trafficking
[B] Women Trafficking
[C] Child Trafficking
[D] Weapons smuggling
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Child Trafficking]
Notes:Palermo Protocol is a United Nations (UN) protocol that defines human trafficking and aims to prevent, suppress, and punish it. The protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000 and came into effect on December 25, 2003. The protocol’s purposes are to:
- Prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children
- Protect and assist victims of trafficking
- The protocol defines human trafficking as exploitation that includes:
- Prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation
- Forced labor or services
- Slavery or practices similar to slavery
- Servitude
- The removal of organs
The Palermo Protocol is one of three supplementary protocols to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). The other two protocols are: (1) Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air (2) Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms.
10. Which of the following countries is not a member of a SAARC?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] Russia
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Bhutan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.