1. The Treaty of Portsmouth brought an end to a war in 1905 fought between?
[A] Russia & Japan
[B] Romania & Bulgaria
[C] Russia & Turkey
[D] Russia & USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Russia & Japan]
Notes:
Treaty of Portsmouth ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The treaty was signed on September 5, 1905 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The treaty was signed by Japanese and Russian diplomats after negotiations from August 6 to August 30. The treaty ended the war that began in 1904. The war was caused by Russian and Japanese expansionism in the Far East. The war contributed to domestic unrest in both countries, which led to the Russian revolution of 1905. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in the negotiations and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
2. Which among the following is not correctly matched?
[A] International Migrants Day – December 18
[B] International Volunteer Day – December 5
[C] International Day of Older Persons – October 1
[D] All matched correctly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All matched correctly]
Notes:
The correct answer is “All matched correctly.” – International Migrants Day is indeed observed on December 18 to promote awareness of the rights of migrants. – International Volunteer Day is celebrated on December 5 to recognize the contributions of volunteers. – International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly. Since all the dates are accurately matched with their respective observances, the statement “All matched correctly” is true.
3. Many a times we read about ‘South-South Cooperation’. The term is used by policymakers and academics to describe the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between which of the following?
[A] India & South Africa
[B] South Asia & South Africa
[C] South America and South Asia
[D] Developing countries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Developing countries]
Notes:
South-South Cooperation refers to the collaboration among developing countries in the Global South, focusing on sharing resources, technology, and knowledge. This concept emerged in the 1950s and gained prominence in the 1970s, particularly during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It aims to enhance self-reliance and foster sustainable development. Notable examples include the India-Africa Forum Summit, which promotes trade and investment between India and African nations.
4. The MIG series of Super fighters have come to India from which of the following ________ ?
[A] Russia
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Russia]
Notes:
The MIG series of super fighters, including the MIG-21 and MIG-29, were developed by the Soviet Union, which is now Russia. These aircraft were introduced to India in the 1960s and have been a important part of the Indian Air Force’s fleet. The MIG-21, in particular, became one of the most widely used fighter jets in the world, with over 11,000 units produced.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Who is the author of “The Apple Cart: A Political Extravaganza”?
[A] Shakespeare
[B] George Qrwell
[C] George Bernard Shaw
[D] Mark Twain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [George Bernard Shaw]
Notes:
The Apple Cart: A Political Extravaganza was written by George Bernard Shaw. It is a play that was first performed in 1929. The play is a satirical look at politics and government, and explores the tension between the forces of tradition and progress in society. It is one of Shaw’s most popular and enduring works.
8. Which among the following dates is observed as World Wetlands Day?
[A] February 2
[B] March 2
[C] April 2
[D] May 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [February 2]
Notes:
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd. The day marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands for people and the planet.
9. Which among the following missiles is called the Indian Patriot?
[A] Nag
[B] Akash
[C] Triushu
[D] Sagarika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Akash]
Notes:
he Akash missile is considered the Indian Patriot. The Akash is India’s first indigenously produced medium-range surface-to-air missile. It can target aircraft up to 30 km (19 mi) away. The Akash can neutralize aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and ballistic missiles. It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
The Akash was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The Akash’s technology is close to the system of American patriot missiles.
The Patriot is an American missile system that was used successfully in neutralising the Iraqi Skud missiles during the first Gulf War in the 90s.
10. Who among the following was the author of Akbarnama?
[A] Akbar
[B] Birbal
[C] Fakir Aziao Din
[D] Abul Fazal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Abul Fazal]
Notes:
Abul Fazl was the author of Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar’s reign in 3 volumes. This book gives the history of Akbar’s forefathers from Timur to Humayun and Akbar’s reign till 1602 AD. Abul Fazl was one of the nine jewels in the royal court of Akbar.