1. 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.
2. On which date of December we observe Minorities Rights Day ?
[A] 8
[B] 10
[C] 18
[D] 20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [18]
Notes:
Minorities Rights Day is observed on December 18. This day was established by the United Nations to promote and protect the rights of minority groups worldwide. The date highlights the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, can enjoy their rights and freedoms.
3. 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.
4. Apart from UN General Assembly, which among the following is not among five principal active organs of United Nations?
[A] UN Security Council
[B] UN Economic and Social Council
[C] UN Secretariat
[D] UN Trusteeship Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [UN Trusteeship Council]
Notes:
Formerly UN had six principal active organs. UN Trusteeship Council suspended its operations in 1994
5. World Standards Day is observed on which among the following dates?
[A] September 10
[B] October 14
[C] November 13
[D] December 30
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [October 14]
Notes:
World Standards Day or International Standards Day is celebrated on 14 October to honor the efforts of the thousands of experts who develop voluntary standards within standards development organizations. On 14 October 1946, delegates from 25 countries first gathered in London and decided to create an international organization focused on facilitating standardization. Towards this, ISO was founded on 23 February 1947.
6. Which among the following body gives “Avicenna Prize” for ethics in science?
[A] NASA
[B] UNICEF
[C] UNESCO
[D] World Science Forum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UNESCO]
7. Which of the following organizations is implementing the “Memory of the World Programme“?
[A] World Economic Forum
[B] UNESCO
[C] UNICEF
[D] World Trade Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UNESCO]
Notes:
Memory of the World Programme is an initiative of UNESCO. It is an international initiative launched to safeguard the documentary heritage of humanity against collective amnesia, neglect, the ravages of time and climatic conditions, and willful and deliberate destruction.
8. 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.
9. Who is the author of the book “The Unquiet River: A biography of the Brahmaputra”?
[A] Romila Thapar
[B] Irfan Habib
[C] Arupjyoti Saikia
[D] Upinder Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arupjyoti Saikia]
Notes:
The book ” The Unquiet River: A biography of the Brahmaputra ” has been authored by historian Arupjyoti Saikia that re-imagines the layered history of Assam with the river at the centre. The book claims to combine a range of disciplinary scholarship to unravel the geological forces as well as human endeavour which have shaped the river into what it is today.
10. Which of the following novels in Mulk Raj Anand’s seven-part autobiographical series deals with Krishan Chander’s life at Khalsa College, Amritsar, from 1921 to 1925? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[A] Untouchable
[B] Coolie
[C] Confession of a Lover
[D] Two Leaves and a Bud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Confession of a Lover]
Notes:
Mulk Raj Anand was an Indian writer in English, notable for his depiction of the lives of the poorer castes in traditional Indian society. His seven-part autobiography series includes a novel titled “Confession of a Lover.” This novel specifically presents a detailed description of Krishan Chander’s life at Khalsa College, Amritsar, spanning the four years from 1921 to 1925.
