1. 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.
2. Which among the following accord is known to led the formation of Palestinian Authority?
[A] Oslo Accords
[B] Camp David Accord
[C] Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum
[D] London Agreement
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Oslo Accords]
Notes:
Oslo Accords or Oslo Process refers to two agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. First is the Oslo I Accord, signed in Washington in 1993 and second is Oslo II Accord, signed in Taba, Egypt in 1995. It resulted in recognition of Israel by the PLO and the recognition by Israel of the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people and as a partner in bilateral negotiations.
3. Which of the following conflicts was put to an end by Dayton Agreement?
[A] Algerian War
[B] Vietnam War
[C] Bosnian War
[D] Chinese Civil War
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bosnian War]
Notes:
Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) ended the Bosnian War, which was part of the Yugoslav Wars. The DPA was signed on December 1995 after months of negotiations. The war lasted three and a half years and was known for its violence and atrocities. The war resulted in about 100,000 deaths and displaced two million people. The DPA also outlined a constitutional framework for peace in Bosnia. The DPA was reached by the presidents of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. The agreement was brokered by American diplomat Richard Holbrooke. The negotiations began in the Balkans and ended in Dayton, Ohio.
4. 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.
5. How many members of the United Nations can exercise the Veto Power?
[A] 3
[B] 5
[C] 10
[D] 15
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [5]
Notes:
Veto power is held with five permanent members, which are also called as P5 or Big 5. They are China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States.
6. In which of the following states, maximum Coast Guard Stations have been established in India?
[A] Maharastra
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
Coast Guard Stations are facilities operated by the Indian Coast Guard, which is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The Coast Guard is responsible for maritime security and law enforcement in India’s territorial waters, as well as for the protection of the country’s maritime interests. Coast Guard Stations are typically located along the coast and are equipped with boats, ships, and other equipment necessary for carrying out the Coast Guard’s duties. These stations may also serve as training centers for Coast Guard personnel and as bases for search and rescue operations. Maximum Coast Guard stations have been established in Gujarat.
7. Consider the following treaties and agreements:
- Berlin Plus Agreement
- Washington Treaty
- Treaty of Brussels
- Two Plus Four Treaty
Which of the above contains the provision that an armed attack against one or more members in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against all members, forming the cornerstone of NATO?
[A] Only 2
[B] 1 and 3
[C] 1, 2 and 4
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2]
Notes:
The Washington Treaty (North Atlantic Treaty), signed in 1949, established NATO. Article 5 of the Treaty states that an armed attack against one or more NATO members in Europe or North America is to be considered an attack against all. The other agreements listed do not contain this defining NATO provision.
8. At which of the following conferences, the text of the United Nations charter was finalized among international leaders?
[A] Dumbarton Oaks Conference
[B] Yalta Conference
[C] Tehran Conference
[D] San Francisco Conference
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dumbarton Oaks Conference]
Notes:
The Dumbarton Oaks Conference was a series of meetings held at the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D.C. in 1944. The conference was attended by representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China, and was aimed at discussing the creation of a new international organization to maintain peace and security after World War II. The conference resulted in the drafting of the United Nations Charter, which was signed by the participating countries in 1945 and came into effect in 1945. The charter established the United Nations as an international organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations.
9. Which famous world leader was accused at the Rivonia Trial?
[A] Martin Luther King
[B] Subhas Chandra Bose
[C] Nelson Mandela
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nelson Mandela]
Notes:
The Rivonia Trial led to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and the others among the accused who were convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life at the Palace of Justice, Pretoria.
10. Which one of the following is a modern tank? (UPSC Prelims 1996)
[A] Bhim
[B] Akash
[C] Arjun
[D] Prithvi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arjun]
Notes:
Arjuna is the modern tank produced by Defence Research and Development, Organisation (DRDO). The Arjun is a third generation main battle tank developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, for the Indian Army. The tank is named after Arjun, the main protagonist, an archer prince of the Indian epic Mahabharata.
The Arjun was found to be comparable to the T-90 in almost all respects and better in aspects of mobility – aided in no small measure by its German-made 1,400 horsepower engine which is significantly more powerful than the powerpack employed on the T-90. The invitation to visit the Arjun tank formation was unexpected.