1. Who is the author of the book “Veerappan: Chasing the Brigand”?
[A] Kapish G. Mehra
[B] K. Vijay Kumar
[C] Shekhar Gupta
[D] D.R. Karthikeyan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [K. Vijay Kumar]
Notes:
The book “Veerappan: Chasing the Brigand” has been authored by K. Vijay Kumar, the Senior Security Adviser in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The book is a source of valuable inspiration offering insight into the tactics that went into the wiping out of the dreaded forest brigand on whom a prize money of Rs. 5 crores had been declared more than a decade back.
2. World Bank Headquarters located at:
[A] Switzerland
[B] Washington DC
[C] New York
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Washington DC]
Notes:
World Bank is one of five institutions created at the Breton Woods Conference in 1944. World Bank is part of the United Nations system, but its governance structure is different. World Bank’s headquarter is situated at Washington DC.
3. Which of the following is an initiative of European Union that involves the creation of a zone for the euro wherein all electronic payments are considered domestic, and a difference between national and intra-European cross border payments doesn’t exist?
[A] Euro zone
[B] Single Euro Payment Area
[C] Eurocheque
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Single Euro Payment Area]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Single Euro Payment Area” (SEPA). SEPA is an initiative by the European Union aimed at simplifying bank transfers denominated in euros. It allows for seamless electronic payments across member states, treating them as domestic transactions. Established in 2008, SEPA enhances efficiency and reduces costs for consumers and businesses, promoting financial integration within the Eurozone.
4. The work ‘Mudra Rakshas’ by Vishakhadutta depicts which of the following?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya & Dhruva Devi
[B] Mauryas & Nandas
[C] Campaigns of Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Campaigns of Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mauryas & Nandas]
Notes:
Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit-language play by Vishakhadatta that tells the story of the ascent of King Chandragupta Maurya. Its timeframe varies from the late 4th century to the 8th century CE. This literary work mainly portrayed the Mauryas and the Nandas, hence marking an important event in Indian historiography.
5. The first Industrial Revolution took place in?
[A] England
[B] USA
[C] France
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [England]
Notes:
The First Industrial Revolution was started in Europe and the United States. It was started in the 18th century and ended in Middle of 19th Century.
6. Which of the following Prime Minister is known for his “Iron Curtain Speech”?
[A] Clement Attlee
[B] Neville Chamberlain
[C] Winston Churchill
[D] Herbert Morrison
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Winston Churchill]
Notes:
One of the most famous speeches of the Cold War period in which former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill condemns the Soviet Union’s policies in Europe is also called as Iron Curtain Speech.
7. The International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on:
[A] 20th February
[B] 21st February
[C] 20th March
[D] 21st March
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 21st March]
Notes:
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21st. The United Nations declared this day in 1966. The day is commemorated as Human Rights Day in South Africa, where the Sharpeville Massacre occurred. This event led to the creation of the day.
8. In which among the following states, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was imposed for the first time?
[A] Manipur
[B] Punjab
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] 7 North East States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [7 North East States]
Notes:
AFSPA became a law on September 11, 1958. Initially, it was applicable to the seven Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. This was so because in all these states there were movements of ethnic groups demanding separation from India. The government felt that such insurgencies could be checked through deployment of the armed forces, and they would need special powers to carry out their responsibilities. AFSPA was extended to J&K in 1990, on similar considerations.
9. How many judges are there in the International Court of Justice? (UPSC Prelims 1980).
[A] 10
[B] 12
[C] 15
[D] 20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [15]
Notes:
ICJ is the main judicial organ or branch of the United Nations. It is composed of 15 judges. These are elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It has its headquarters at The Hague, Netherlands. Judges are eligible for re-election. Justice Dalveer Bhandari has been nominated by India as its candidate for another nine year term as judge of the International Court of Justice.
10. Who among the following wrote “The Communist Manifesto” along with Karl Marx? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[A] Emile Durkheim
[B] Friedrich Engeles
[C] Robert Owen
[D] Max Weber
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Friedrich Engeles]
Notes:
On February 21, 1848, The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx with the assistance of Friedrich Engels, is published in London by a group of German-born revolutionary socialists known as the Communist League.
