1. Buddhist monk Dhammapiya has elected as the new secretary general of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). He is from which Indian state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Tripura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tripura ]
Notes:
Buddhist monk Dhammapiya from Tripura has been elected as the new secretary general of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in New Delhi. The IBC is a global Buddhist forum for preservation and development of heritage sites of the religion in India and other parts of the world.
2. Which is called the “Soft Loan Window” of the World Bank?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] International Finance Corporation
[C] International Development Association
[D] World Trade Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [International Development Association]
Notes:
The International Development Association (IDA) was established in 1960 as part of the World Bank Group. IDA offers highly concessional loans and grants to the world’s poorest countries. As of fiscal year 2025, IDA has provided $600 billion to 116 countries. Its concessional loans typically have repayment periods of up to 40 years with long grace periods and low or zero interest.
3. Which among the following is an Indian Document / proposal ?
[A] International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings
[B] Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism.
[C] Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism
[D] Convention against Nuclear Terrorism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism]
Notes:
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or, the CCIT is an Indian document, which outlines the definition of terrorism and proposal of anti-terror law submitted to United Nations in the late 90s, which is under discussion for many years.In 2001, India in fact submitted its revised version and has been pitching for its implementation.
4. The Indian Forces had conducted the Operation Pawan in which of the following countries in late 1980s?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
Indian Peace Keeping Force took control of Jaffna from the LTTE in late 1987 to enforce the disarmament of the LTTE as a part of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord. This operation was named operation Pawan.
5. 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.
6. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a joint venture between India and which among the following countries?
[A] Canada
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Russia]
Notes:
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) is a joint venture between India and Russia. The plant is located in the coastal state of Tamil Nadu. Construction began in March 2002.
The reactors were built by India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd and Russia’s Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom. The reactors are based on Russian technology and are pressurised water reactors (PWR).
The plant has two 1,000 megawatt (MW) PWR units. An additional four units are under construction.
Russia is supplying all the enriched fuel for the plant. India will reprocess the fuel and keep the plutonium for civil use.
7. Who among the following author composed Krityakalpataru?
[A] Lakshmidhara
[B] Bhoja
[C] Shri Harsha
[D] Ballal Sena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lakshmidhara]
Notes:
During the reign of Govindachandra ( ruler of Sena dynasty), his minister Laksmidhara wrote “Kritya Kalpataru”.
8. Why the Soviet Socialist Revolution on October is celebrated every year on November 7? (UPSC Prelims 1985)
[A] Lenin’s birthday falls on this date
[B] Russia’s victory over Germany coincides with this date
[C] The Provisional Government formed after the collapse of Czarist Government was overthrown on this day in 1917
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The Provisional Government formed after the collapse of Czarist Government was overthrown on this day in 1917]
Notes:
During October Revolution, urban workers began to organize into councils wherein revolutionaries criticized the provisional government and its actions. Bolshevik Red Guards forces under the Military Revolutionary Committee began the occupation of government buildings on 7 November 1917.
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 famous author has written the books “The Shadow Lines”, “The Hungry Tide”, and “Ibis Trilogy”? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[A] Kiran Desai
[B] Jhumpa Lahiri
[C] Amitav Ghosh
[D] Arundhati Roy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Amitav Ghosh]
Notes:
Amitav Ghosh is a renowned Indian author known for his rich and complex novels that weave together personal stories and historical events. His literary works also include “The Shadow Lines”, “The Hungry Tide” and the “Ibis Trilogy”. Ghosh’s novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and have won him numerous awards. His unique literary style blends historical detail, political commentary, and elements of the surreal.
