International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is not based in Basel, Switzerland. it is headquartered in Paris, France. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Financial Stability Forum (FSF) are both located in Basel. The OECD, established in 1961, focuses on economic development and policy coordination among member countries.

Notes:
Nuclear Suppliers Group was formed by  seven countries viz. Canada, West Germany, France, Japan, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States in response to the ‘Smiling Buddha’ (Pokharan-I) of India in 1974. It was clear from this adventure of India that certain non-weapons specific nuclear technology could be readily turned to weapons development, since it was alleged that India used the Canada sourced material to make bomb. The objective of the NSG was to reduce nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be applicable to nuclear weapon development and by improving safeguards and protection on existing materials.

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.

Notes:
SAARC Charter of Democracy was adopted at Dhaka. SAARC headquarters is at Kathmandu,Nepal.

Notes:
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. Its member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its headquarters is at Kathmandu, Nepal.

Notes:
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries. It has 7 ASEAN countries. It was established in 1989.

Notes:
SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise that takes place between the navies of India and Sri Lanka. It is an acronym for “Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise”. The exercise typically involves a variety of naval drills and training activities, including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue operations. The first SLINEX exercise was held in 2005, and it has been conducted regularly ever since. The exercise is aimed at improving the interoperability and cooperation between the navies of India and Sri Lanka, and at enhancing the security and stability of the Indian Ocean region.

Notes:
In the 9th century, a Digambara Jain monk, Jinasena composed a Sanskrit poem “Adipurana” that deals with the story of the first Jain Tirthankar Rishabha Deva and his sons Bharata and Bahubali. It consists of 12 thousand shlokas and divided into 12 parvas.

Notes:
Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) is an annual military exercise of India. It started in January and the month-long exercise will have ships and aircraft of both the Western and Eastern Naval Commands, as also assets from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard exercising together.

Notes:
French is the official reference language of International Olympic Committee. English and the language of the host country are considered as the official language.