1. India’s efforts to provide education to millions of Africans using internet technology will come under which of the following?
[A] Track-I diplomacy
[B] Track-II diplomacy
[C] Track-III diplomacy
[D] Track-IV diplomacy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Track-IV diplomacy ]
Notes:
Track IV Diplomacy involves socio-cultural, scientific, environmental and educational programmes between two states.
2. 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
3. On 15 June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish which date as the International Day of Non-Violence?
[A] October, 2nd
[B] October, 5th
[C] July 2nd
[D] February 6th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [October, 2nd]
Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly established October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007 to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. Gandhi is renowned for his philosophy of non-violent resistance, which influenced civil rights movements worldwide. The day promotes the principles of non-violence through education and public awareness.
4. Which among the following organizations occupies the Centre William Rappard building in Geneva, Switzerland?
[A] International Labour Organization
[B] World Trade Organization
[C] UNESCO
[D] World Health Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Trade Organization]
Notes:
Centre William Rappard is known as the first building in Geneva designed to house an international organization and was originally occupied by International labour Organization. ILO`s office was shifted to Grand Saconnex. Later it was occupied by GATT which was replaces by World Trade Organization in 1995.
5. 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.
6. Which among the following observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 at the Stockholm Conference?
[A] World Water Day
[B] World Wetlands Day
[C] World Environment Day
[D] Earth Day
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Environment Day]
Notes:
The correct answer is World Environment Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference. This observance aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. The first World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5, 1974, and it has since become a global platform for public outreach, with a different theme each year.
7. Which of the following books were written by Amir Khusro?
[A] Nuh Sipihr
[B] Ashiqa
[C] Tughluq Nama
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The famous Sufi poet, Amir Khusro was the court poet of Alauddin Khilji and a spiritual disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi. He wrote in many verse forms viz. ghazal, masnavi, qata, rubai, do-baiti and tarkib-band. Excerpts of the works done by him are Tughluq Nama, Wast-ul-Hayat, Nuh Sipihr, Ashiqa, Khamsa, Baqia-Naqia, etc.
8. The book “Tabaqat-i-Nasiri” written by whom?
[A] Hasan Nizami
[B] Amir Khusrau
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Minhaj-i-Siraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Minhaj-i-Siraj]
Notes:
The Persian historian, Minhaj-i-Siraj composed Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, which accounts the historical events of the Islamic world from the days Adam to the year 1260 AD (when it was completed). This political history is written in Persian language for Sultan Nasir ud din Mahmud (1246–1266 AD), the slave dynasty ruler.
9. Who among the following author wrote Humayunnama ?
[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Hamida Begum
[D] Gulbadan begum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gulbadan begum]
Notes:
The Humayunnama was written by Gulbadan begum (his half-sister). The book provide the account of the life of Mughal Emperor Humayun.
10. Which one of the following statements regarding the “veto” power in the Security Council is correct according to the United Nations Charter? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] The decisions of the Security Council on all non-procedural matters must be made by an affirmative vote of nine members, including the concurring, votes of the permanent members of the Council
[B] Every permanent member of the Security Council can prevent any decision from being accepted, by vetoing it
[C] The term veto was used in Article 27 of the United Nations Charter to enable any permanent member of the Security Council to prevent any resolution from being passed by the majority
[D] Any member of the Security Council can prevent any resolution from being passed by voting against it
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Every permanent member of the Security Council can prevent any decision from being accepted, by vetoing it]
Notes:
The veto power originates in Article 27 of the United Nations Charter, which states: Each member of the Security Council shall have a vote. Decisions of the Security Council on procedural matters shall be made by an affirmative vote of five members.
