1. World Conservation Monitoring Centre, a biodiversity information and assessment arm of the United Nations Environment Programme is located at ?
[A] Cambridge
[B] New York
[C] Geneva
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cambridge]
Notes:
The United Nation Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre is an executive agency of UN Environment Programme, which is based in Cambridge (UK). It was previously managed by IUCN, UN Environment Programme and WWF.
2. 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.
3. Who among the following is the first and only chief of naval staff who was sacked while still serving?
[A] Admiral Vijai Singh Shekhawat
[B] Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas
[C] Admiral Vishnu Baghwat
[D] Admiral Madhvendra Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Admiral Vishnu Baghwat]
Notes:
Admiral Vishnu Baghwat is the first and only Chief of Naval Staff of India to be dismissed while in service. He was removed in 1998 due to differences with the government over various issues, including the handling of the Kargil War. This incident marked a important moment in Indian military history, which indicates the tensions between military leadership and political authority.
4. 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
5. World Consumer Rights Day is observed on which date?
[A] March 15
[B] April 15
[C] May 15
[D] June 15
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [March 15]
Notes:
World Consumer Rights Day is observed on March 15th every year. This day is dedicated to promoting and raising awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities around the world. It provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of consumer protection, fair business practices, and the need for consumer advocacy.
6. Which among the following navies took part in Varuna naval exercise ?
[A] India and England
[B] India and France
[C] India and Singapore
[D] India and Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India and France]
Notes:
The Varuna naval exercise is a biennial military exercise between India and France, focusing on enhancing interoperability and maritime security. The first Varuna exercise took place in 2001, and it has since evolved to include various naval operations, showcasing advanced naval capabilities. France is a key strategic partner for India, particularly in defense and maritime cooperation.
7. The book “Kathasaritsagar” was written by whom?
[A] Somadeva
[B] Padmagupta
[C] Kshemendra
[D] Padma Shankar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Somadeva]
Notes:
The Kathasaritsagara ( or Ocean of the Streams of Stories) is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales as retold in Sanskrit by Somadeva, a Shaiva Brahmin. It was a translation of Brihat katha and was compiled between 1063-81 AD for the entertainment of the queen Suryamati, wife of king Anantadeva of Kashmir.
8. Who among the following was the author of Ain-i-Akabari?
[A] Gulbadan begum
[B] Faizi
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Abdur Rahim Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abul Fazl]
Notes:
Abul Fazal was the author of Ain-i-Akabari, the third volume of the book “Akbarnama”. The book gives the administrative details of Akbar’s time.
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. How much is the range of Agni-II missile? (UPSC Prelims 2001)
[A] 500 km
[B] 2000 km
[C] 3500 km
[D] 5000 km
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2000 km]
Notes:
This missile has a theoretical maximum range of some 3,000 km with a 1,000 kg payload (conventional or strategic). Tested to range of over 2,000 km, the Agni-II has an all-solid propellant system.