1. U.N.O. was founded in –
(a) 1944
(b) 1945
(c) 1946
(d) 1947
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (b) 1945
- The United Nations is a global organization that was created in 1945.
- Representatives from 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter at a conference in San Francisco from April to June.
- The representative from Poland was not present, but they signed the Charter in October.
- The United Nations officially started on October 24, 1945, and this day is now recognized as United Nations Day.
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2. When is the ‘United Nations Day’ observed?
(a) 27th October
(b) 24th October
(c) 26th October
(d) 15th October
[M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) 24th October
- The United Nations was established in 1945 when representatives from 50 countries signed a charter in San Francisco between April and June.
- Poland signed the charter later in October, and the United Nations officially began on October 24.
- This day is now known as United Nations Day.
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3. The number of permanent members in the United Nations Security Council is :
(a) 6
(b) 5
(c) 4
(d) 3
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2003]
Ans. (b) 5
- The United Nations Security Council is one of the six main parts of the United Nations.
- This Council is responsible for keeping peace and security.
- It has 15 members – 5 that are permanent (USA, France, China, UK and Russia) and 10 that are elected from different regions of the world for a 2 year term.
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4. Which one of the following is not basic element of the citizen charter?
(a) Description of services being provided by department of the agency
(b) Promotion of various methods to get benefi t from the services available
(c) To expect any public record
(d) Provision for the inspection of the agency’s work
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) Provision for the inspection of the agency’s work
- The Citizen Charter has nine basic elements: setting standards of service, providing full information, consulting and involving people, encouraging access and choice, treating everyone fairly, correcting mistakes, using resources wisely, innovating and improving, and working with other providers.
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5. Which of the following is not a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council?
(a) Germany
(b) France
(c) Great Britain
(d) China
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (a) Germany
- The Citizen Charter consists of nine main ideas: setting rules for service, giving people all the information they need, including people in the decision-making process, giving people options, treating everyone with respect, fixing any mistakes, using resources carefully, coming up with new ideas, and working with other organizations.
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6. Which of the following countries was NOT elected in June 2020 as a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council for the year 2021-22?
(a) Ireland
(b) Norway
(c) Mexico
(d) Canada
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) Canada
- India started its two-year period as a non-permanent UN Security Council member on January 1, 2021.
- Along with India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are also part of the 15-nation UNSC for the 2021-22 term.
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7. According to United Nations Charter which of the following statements is not true regarding exercise of veto power in the Security Council?
(a) For Security Council decision on every procedural matter there should be 9 affirmative votes of its members including the 5 votes of five permanent members.
(b) Every permanent member of Security Council may by use of Veto Power, withhold acceptance on any decision.
(c) The word ‘Veto’ has been used under Article 27 of UN Charter so that any permanent member may stop a resolution going to be passed with a majority
(d) Any member of Security Council may use Veto Power to stop a resolution going to be passed with a majority.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (d) Any member of Security Council may use Veto Power to stop a resolution going to be passed with a majority.
- In the Security Council, there are five permanent members (the United States, France, China, Britain and Russia).
- These members have the power to veto any resolution that has been voted on by the majority.
- Only the permanent members have this power.
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8. Consider the following statements :
1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
2. ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
3. ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (c) 1 and 2
- The emerging agenda focuses on the UN-Habitat’s “Right to the City and Cities for All” policy.
- Henri Lefebvre first proposed this concept in 1968 and David Harvey later developed it to help improve urban areas and give people better access to their rights.
- This includes the right for everyone, now and in the future, to access and use cities in a just, inclusive and sustainable way.
- Governments and people need to work together to make sure this right is respected.
- This does not guarantee public services or facilities to unauthorized areas.
- The right to the city is about making sure resources are distributed fairly and giving people more political power.
- It also encourages social, economic and cultural diversity.
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9. Consider the following statements :
1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption(UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) 2 and 4 only
- The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) deals with the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air, so statement 1 is wrong.
- Statement 2 is true since the United Nations Convention against corruption (UNCAC) is the only universal anti-corruption law.
- Option 3 is wrong because returning assets to their rightful owners that were taken illegally is part of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
- Lastly, option 4 is correct since the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is responsible for helping with the implementation of both UNTOC and UNCAC, so the correct answer is c.
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10. Who among the following has been the first African U.N. Secretary-General?
(a) Ban Ki-Moon
(b) Javier Perez De Cuellar
(c) Boutros-Boutros Ghali
(d) U-Thant
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Boutros-Boutros Ghali
- The first African to be the Secretary General of the UN was Boutros-Boutros Ghali.
- He was in the role from 1992 to 1996 and was an Egyptian politician and diplomat.
- The second African secretary-general was Kofi Annan.
- Currently, the Secretary General of the UN is Antonio Guterres from Portugal, who is also a politician and diplomat.
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11. Who is the present Secretary General of the United Nations Organization?
(a) Ban Ki-Moon
(b) Antonio Guterres
(c) Kofi Annan
(d) Kurt Waldheim
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (b) Antonio Guterres
- Antonio Guterres is the leader of the United Nations right now.
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12. Which U.N. Secretary General served for the longest period?
(a) Trygve Lie
(b) Kurt Waldheim
(c) Xavier Peres De Cuillar
(d) U. Thant
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2006 (*)]
Ans. (d) U. Thant
- U Thant, who served as the Third Secretary-General of the United Nations, holds the record for the longest tenure, serving from 1961 to 1971.
- Here are the tenures of all the Secretary-Generals:
- Trygve Lie (Norway) – February 1, 1946, to November 10, 1952.
- Dag Hammarskjold (Sweden) – April 10, 1953, to September 18, 1961.
- U Thant (Burma) – November 30, 1961, to December 31, 1971.
- Kurt Waldheim (Austria) – January 1, 1972, to December 31, 1981.
- Javier Perez de Cuellar (Peru) – January 1, 1982, to December 31, 1991.
- Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt) – January 1, 1992, to December 31, 1996.
- Kofi Annan (Ghana) – January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2006.
- Ban Ki-moon (South Korea) – January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016.
- Antonio Guterres (Portugal) – January 1, 2017, until the present.
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13. The head of state of the United Kingdom is
(a) Queen Elizabeth I
(b) Queen Elizabeth II
(c) Queen Elizabeth III
(d) Queen Elizabeth IV
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) Queen Elizabeth II
- Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state for the United Kingdom.
- She became ruler of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1952.
- The Prime Minister, Theresa May, is in charge of the government.
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14. The world’s main languages are –
(1) Chinese
(2) English
(3) Hindi
(4) Spanish
Which one of the given languages is not an official language of United Nations, choose correct answer using code below –
Code:
(a) Chinese
(b) English
(c) Hindi
(d) Spanish
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002, U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (c) Hindi
- The United Nations does not use Hindi as a language.
- English and French are used for everyday work, and the six official languages are English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
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15. Which are the official languages of the U.N.O.?
(a) English, French, and Russian
(b) English, French, German, and Russian
(c) English, French, Russian, Chinese and Hindi
(d) English, French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Spanish
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (d) English, French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Spanish
- The United Nations does not use Hindi and instead uses English and French on a daily basis.
- The six official languages of the UN are English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
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16. Who among the following has been the first person to deliver his speech in Hindi at U.N.O.?
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(d) None of the above
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first Indian to speak in Hindi at the United Nations Assembly in 1977 while he was the Foreign Minister.
- In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gave a speech in Hindi at the 69th opening ceremony of the United Nations making him the second Prime Minister and third Indian leader to do so. P.V. Narashima Rao, the Foreign Minister in 1988, was also the first Indian to address the United Nations session in Hindi.
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17. Who was the Permanent Representative of India to the UN before Syed Akbaruddin?
(a) Hardeep Singh Puri
(b) Shashi Tharoor
(c) Asoke Kumar Mukerji
(d) Nirupam Sen
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Asoke Kumar Mukerji
- Before Syed Akbaruddin, Asoke Kumar Mukerji was the permanent representative of India to the United Nations.
- Syed Akbaruddin is the current permanent representative of India, chosen in January 2016.
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18. Who among the following is the first Indian transgender Judge?
(a) Sadhna Sharma, Chhattisgarh
(b) Chitra Barucha, Tamil Nadu
(c) Oman Kutty, Kerala
(d) Joyita Mondal, West Bengal
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (d) Joyita Mondal, West Bengal
- Joyita Mondal, a 29-year-old social worker from West Bengal, has become the first transgender judge of a Lok Adalat. She judged at a Lok Adalat in Islampur in North Dinajpur.
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19. How many Articles are there in the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’?
(a) 29
(b) 28
(c) 30
(d) 32
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) 30
- The ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ includes 30 Articles.
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20. The headquarters of the International Court of Justice is situated at:
(a) Hague
(b) New York
(c) Geneva
(d) Paris
[53rd to 55thB.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (a) Hague
- The International Court of Justice was created in June 1945 and is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
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21. Which statement is true in relation to the Protection of Human Rights Act?
(a) The Act came into force on 23rd September 1993.
(b) The Act came into force on 28 September 1993.
(c) The Act came into force on 23rd September 1995.
(d) The Act came into force on 28 September 1995.
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) – 2018]
Ans. (b) The Act came into force on 28th September 1993.
- The Human Rights Act was put into effect on September 28, 1993, and applies to all of India.
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22. The Headquarters of the International Court of Justice is at
(a) Geneva
(b) Hague
(c) Chicago
(d) Switzerland
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (b) Hague
- The Human Rights Act started on September 28th, 1993 and applies to everyone in India.
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23. Under which one of the following Sections of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 has ‘protection of action taken in good faith’ been provided?
(a) Section 16 A
(b) Section 15 A
(c) Section 16 B
(d) Section 14 A
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) – 2018]
Ans. (d) Section 14 A
- The Central Government or State Government won’t be sued or faced with any other legal action for anything they do in good faith according to this Act.
- They won’t be liable for any damage caused by something done in good faith either.
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24. Amnesty International is –
(a) An agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars.
(b) A Global Human Rights Movement.
(c) A non-governmental voluntary organization to help extremely poor people.
(d) An inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) A Global Human Rights Movement.
- Amnesty International is an organization made up of 7 million people from over 150 countries and territories that fights for the protection of human rights.
- It was started by British lawyer Peter Benenson in 1961 and is based in London.
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25. Amnesty International is an organization associated with
(a) Protection of women’s rights
(b) Protection of human rights
(c) Abolition of untouchability
(d) None of the above
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Protection of human rights
- Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of around 7 million people from more than 150 countries and territories, founded by British lawyer Peter Benenson in 1961.
- It works to defend and protect human rights and is based in London.
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26. Where is the BRICS Summit, 2019 scheduled to be held?
(a) Brazil
(b) India
(c) China
(d) Russia
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Brazil
- The 11th BRICS summit was held on November 13th and 14th, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil.
- BRICS is a group of five countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
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27. Prior to Shri R. N. Pathak two Indian Judges elected to the International Court of Justice were –
(a) H. J. Kania and B. N. Rau
(b) J. C. Saha and A.N. Ray
(c) B. N. Rau and Nagendra Singh
(d) Nagendra Singh and A. N. Ray
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (c) B. N. Rau and Nagendra Singh
- Four people from India have been elected to the International Court of Justice.
- They are Benegal Narsingh Rau (1952-1953), Nagendra Singh (1973-1988), Raghunandan Pathak (1989-1991) and Dalveer Bhandari (2012-2018). On November 20th, 2017, Bhandari was re-elected to serve a nine-year term (2018-2027).
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28. Which one is not related to the United Nations?
(a) General Assembly
(b) Amnesty International
(c) International Court of Justice
(d) Trusteeship Council
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) Amnesty International
- The United Nations has six main parts, with three of them being the General Assembly, the International Court of Justice, and the Trusteeship Council.
- Amnesty International, however, is not part of the UN.
- It is an independent group with 7 million members that fights for human rights and helps those who are treated unfairly or not allowed their freedom.
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29. Which one of the following countries is not a member of the U.N.O.?
(a) Libya
(b) Iraq
(c) Switzerland
(d) Namibia
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (*)
- In 1996, Switzerland was not part of the United Nations yet.
- However, on September 10th, 2002, Switzerland joined the UN. Before 1996, Iraq (1945), Namibia (1990), and Libya (1955) were already members of the United Nations.
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30. ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres),’ often in the news, is
(a) A division of the World Health Organization
(b) A non-governmental international organization
(c) An inter-governmental agency sponsored by the European Union
(d) A specialized agency of the United Nations
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) A non-governmental international organization
- Doctors Without Borders is a global charity organization that started in France.
- In 2015, 30,000 medical professionals volunteered to help in 70 countries.
- In 1999, the organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
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31. 10th December is celebrated as –
(a) Human Rights Day
(b) World Health Day
(c) U.N. Day
(d) Labour Day
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (a) Human Rights Day
- Every year on December 10th, Human Rights Day is celebrated.
- This day was chosen in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- In 1950, the Assembly asked all countries and organizations to observe this day.
- Other special days for the UN are World Health Day (April 7th), UN Day (October 24th), and Labor Day (May 1st).
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32. The concept of Human Rights primarily emphasizes on
(a) Right to Property
(b) Right to equality
(c) Right to Religion
(d) Dignity of Man as a Human Being
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Ans. (d) Dignity of Man as a Human Being
- The ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ states that all people should be treated with dignity and fairness.
- This means that dignity is very important in human rights.
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33. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflect the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)?
1. Preamble
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Code :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- The Indian Constitution includes principles and provisions from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) from 1948.
- For example, Article 3 of UDHR states that everyone has a right to life, liberty and security, which is reflected in the Preamble and Fundamental Rights of India.
- Article 26 of UDHR states that everyone has a right to education and this is seen in Article 45 of the Directive Principles of State Policy of India.
- Lastly, Article 29 of UDHR states that everyone has duties to the community and this shows in the Fundamental Duties of the Indian Constitution.
- Therefore, all statements are correct.
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34. The concept of ‘Right to Service’ originated in
(a) The United States of America
(b) Switzerland
(c) Great Britain
(d) China
[Uttarkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Great Britain
- The idea of ‘Right to Service’ came from the United Kingdom.
- It means that laws guarantee citizens will receive public services from the government in a timely manner.
- India tried to pass a law called the Right of Citizens for Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill, 2011, but it didn’t go through.
- Madhya Pradesh was the first state in India to make Right to Service a law in 2010, and Bihar was the second state in 2011.
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35. On the basis of a year of starting what will be the correct order from start to latest of the following Awards?
1. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
2. Dhyanchand Award
3. Arjuna Award
4. Dronacharya Award
Codes :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 3, 4, 1, 2
(d) 3, 2, 1, 4
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) 3, 4, 1, 2
- The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award began in 1991-92, the Dhyanchand Award in 2002, the Arjuna Award in 1961, and the Dronacharya Award in 1985
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36. When did the Government of India establish the independent Ministry for ‘Women and Child Development’?
(a) 1985
(b) 1986
(c) 1987
(d) 2006
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (d) 2006
- The Department of Women and Child Development was created in 1985 as part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
- In 2006, it was upgraded to become its own Ministry.
- Therefore, none of the options are correct.
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37. Which Ministry of Government of India is related to India’s Foreign Trade Policy?
(a) Ministry of Defence
(b) Ministry of External Affairs
(c) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(d) Ministry of Home Affairs
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- The DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is a part of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It is responsible for managing foreign trade and foreign investment rules in India.
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38. International Day of Non-violence is observed on:
(a) 10th December
(b) 30th January
(c) 2nd October
(d) 23rd March
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) 2nd October
- Worldwide, the International Day of Non-Violence is marked on October 2nd, which is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
- He was a major figure in India’s independence movement and the originator of non-violence.
- In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared that October 2nd be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
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39. Who has authored ‘Gandhian Constitution for Free India’?
(a) Aruna Asaf Ali
(b) Achyut Patwardhan
(c) Shriman Narayan Agarwal
(d) Humayun Kabir
[R.A.S/R.T.S (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) Shriman Narayan Agarwal
- The Constitution of India, inspired by M.K Gandhi, was not written by him but by Shriman Narayan Agarwal, a follower of Gandhi’s ideas.
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40. How many countries of the World have adopted a Compulsory Voting System?
(a) 32
(b) 25
(c) 24
(d) 22
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (*)
- The Law Commission reported in March 2015 that 28 countries have made it required for people to vote, usually starting at the age of 18.
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41. The Electoral College for the United States Presidential Election is comprised of –
(a) Members of the United States Congress
(b) Members of the House of Representative
(c) Members of Senate
(d) None of them
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) None of them
- The people of the United States do not directly elect their President and Vice President.
- Instead, they are chosen by electors through a process called the Electoral College.
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42. Where does the first primary take place in the election of U.S. President –
(a) New York
(b) New Hampshire
(c) Massachusetts
(d) California
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) New Hampshire
- The first election for the US President begins in New Hampshire and Iowa states.
- This happens around one year before the actual presidential election.
- This is usually how the process for electing the President begins.
- The US Constitution has a system called the electoral college, which is used to indirectly choose the President.
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43. In which country was the Presidential form of Government first formed?
(a) Yugoslavia
(b) Egypt
(c) Switzerland
(d) United States of America
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (d) United States of America
- The Presidential form of Government originated in America.
- It is seen as the first and most authentic version of the Presidential Government.
- The President is given all the executive power of the Government and is elected by the people to serve a set amount of time.
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44. Where was, the concept of a written Constitution, born?
(a) France
(b) United States of America
(c) Britain
(d) Switzerland
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (b) United States of America
- The idea of having a written Constitution began in the United States of America.
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45. Which of the following may be considered a Pressure Group?
(a) Members of the Lok Sabha
(b) Members of a Panchayat
(c) Members of the Cabinet
(d) Members of a Trade Union
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) Members of a Trade Union
- A pressure group is an organized group of people that don’t run in elections but try to influence how the government makes decisions.
- They can also be called interest groups, lobby groups, etc.
- Examples of pressure groups include trade unions, farmer’s organizations, women’s organizations, and business organizations.
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46. Larry Pressler is associated with –
(a) Ending of U.S. sanctions on military assistance to Pakistan.
(b) To strengthen cordial relations between U.S. and Pakistan.
(c) Criticizing the proposed Military help to Pakistan by the Clinton Administration.
(d) Announcement of candidate for Presidential elections.
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (c) Criticizing the proposed Military help to Pakistan by the Clinton Administration.
- Larry Pressler was a U.S. senator who proposed a law in 1986 called the Pressler Amendment which wanted to make sure that US help was connected to stopping nuclear weapons from spreading.
- He disagreed with the Clinton administration’s decision to support Pakistan because of its involvement in nuclear weapons.
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47. ‘Pivot to Asia’ is the strategy of the foreign policy of
(a) India
(b) Japan
(c) China
(d) U.S.A.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) U.S.A.
- The United States of America has a foreign policy strategy called “Pivot to Asia”.
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48. C.I.A. is the intelligence agency of –
(a) Russia
(b) England
(c) India
(d) U.S.A.
[M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (d) U.S.A.
- The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a government agency in the United States that collects information about other countries.
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49. Which of the following is not associated with NAFTA?
(a) Great Britain
(b) Canada
(c) Mexico
(d) None of the above
[B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (a) Great Britain
- Canada, Mexico, and the United States signed a trade agreement called NAFTA.
- This agreement became active on January 1, 1994.
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50. The Parliamentary form of Government first developed in
(a) Britain
(b) Belgium
(c) France
(d) Switzerland
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (a) Britain
- The idea of a Parliamentary Government began in Britain.
- The same system was taken by India from the British Constitution, where the King or President is just a figurehead and the real power lies with the Parliament or Cabinet.
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51. Which of the following is the Centre of British News Papers –
(a) Wall Street
(b) First Street
(c) Fleet Street
(d) Press Street
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (c) Fleet Street
- Fleet Street is a street in London, England that used to be home to many newspaper offices until 1980.
- The last one to leave was Reuters News Agency in 2005.
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52. Where was the ‘Festival of India’ organized for the first time outside India?
(a) Britain 1982
(b) France 1985
(c) America 1980
(d) Soviet Union 1983
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (a) Britain 1982
- In 1982, the ‘Festival of India’ was put on for the first time outside of India in Britain.
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53. Consider the following statements –
1. The Parliament of Russia is called the Federal Assembly.
2. The Council of the Federation is the Lower House of the Russian Parliament.
3. The name of the Upper House of the Russian Parliament is State Duma.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 only
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (d) 1 only
- The Russian Parliament is called the Federal Assembly.
- The part of the Federal Assembly which is in charge of making laws is called the Duma and the other part is called the Council of the Federation.
- Only the first statement is correct.
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54. Tass is the news agency of –
(a) Germany
(b) France
(c) Russia
(d) Iran
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (c) Russia
- TASS was the official news agency of the Soviet Union until it fell apart in 1991.
- After that, the agency was renamed ITAR-TASS, which stands for Information Telegraph Agency of Russia-Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union and has been known as that since 1992.
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55. Chinese Parliament is known as –
(a) National Assembly
(b) National People’s Congress
(c) The National Parliament of China
(d) The House of Democracy of China
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (b) National People’s Congress
- The National People’s Congress (NPC) is China’s Parliament, which has the most members of any Parliament in the world (2980).
- In reality, though, it is just a formality and approves whatever is decided by the Communist Party of China.
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56. The political leadership of which country is known as ‘Princeling’?
(a) Japan
(b) Thailand
(c) China
(d) Belgium
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) China
- The Princelings are the children of important and powerful Communist leaders in China.
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57. What is the name of China’s News Agency?
(a) China News
(b) China Times
(c) New China News Agency
(d) New China Report
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) New China News Agency
- The official news organization of China is called the New China News Agency.
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58. What does ISI stand for?
(a) Inter-Services Intelligence
(b) Inter-State Intelligence
(c) India Security International
(d) None of the above
[M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (a) Inter-Services Intelligence
- Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is the main intelligence agency of Pakistan that is run by the military.
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59. ‘Dawn’ is a newspaper of which of the following countries?
(a) China
(b) U.S.A
(c) U.K
(d) Pakistan
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]
Ans. (d) Pakistan
- Dawn is a popular newspaper in Pakistan that was established by Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Delhi, India in 1941.
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60. What is “Mossad”?
(a) A Committee of Maulanas
(b) Israel’s intelligence agency
(c) Parliament of Iran
(d) Key of Morse Code
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (b) Israel’s intelligence agency
- Mossad is an intelligence agency of Israel.
- Its job is to gather intelligence, do undercover work, and fight terrorism.
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61. The Berber-speaking community which often happens to be in the limelight, lives in –
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Algeria
(c) Argentina
(d) Australia
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (b) Algeria
- The Berber-speaking community speaks a language that is completely different from Arabic.
- They live in countries like Morocco and Algeria in North Africa.
- They are also known as the Amazigh, which means they were the original people of this region.
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62. Match the following:
| A. Pressler Amendments |
1. Bangladesh |
| B. Chakma Refugees |
2. Gorbachev |
| C. Perestroika |
3. Agreement between Israel and P.L.O. |
| D. 13th September 1993 |
4. Linking American assistance with development of nuclear capacity |
Code:
A B C D
(a) 1 2 4 3
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 3 4 2 1
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (b) 4 1 2 3
- The ‘Pressler Amendments connected U.S. assistance to the growth of nuclear power.
- ‘Chakma Refugees’ are people from Bangladesh who have fled to India.
- Perestroika was the economic program of Mikhail Gorbachev, the last president of the Soviet Union.
- In 1948, when the State of Israel was declared, five Arab countries attacked in defense of the Palestinian Arabs, which started an ongoing conflict.
- On September 13, 1993, a major peace treaty was signed between Israel and the PLO.
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63. Which of the following countries have banned LTTE?
(a) India, Sri Lanka, France
(b) India, Sri Lanka, U.S.A.
(c) Sri Lanka, Nepal, India
(d) Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (b) India, Sri Lanka, U.S.A.
- Many countries, including India, Sri Lanka, and the United States, have forbidden the LTTE.
- In 2009, Sri Lanka’s army began a big attack against LTTE and its leader B. Prabhakaran was killed during it.
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64. The first Indian Prime Minister who visited Afghanistan was –
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) I.K. Gujaral
(c) A. B. Vajpai
(d) Man Mohan Singh
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans.(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Indian Prime Minister to go to Afghanistan in 1959.
- Then, Indira Gandhi went in 1976.
- Most recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in 2016.
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65. The Parliament of Japan is known as –
(a) Riksdag
(b) Diet
(c) Cortez
(d) Sejim
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (b) Diet
- The Diet, also known as the Imperial Diet, is Japan’s national legislature.
- Japan, like Britain and Canada, has a parliamentary system of government.
- Similarly, Riksdag in Sweden, Cortez in Spain, and Sejim in Poland are all parliaments.
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66. Government Report of which of the following countries is known as ‘Yellow Book’?
(a) France
(b) Britain
(c) Italy
(d) Germany
[48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (a) France
- The French Government has released a report called the Yellow Book.
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67. Consider the following statements –
1. The Commonwealth has no charter, treaty, or constitution.
2. All the territories/countries once under the British Empire (jurisdiction/rule/mandate) automatically joined the Commonwealth as its members.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (a) 1 only
- The Commonwealth does not have any special document that ties its members together.
- Not every country that used to be part of the British Empire is part of the Commonwealth – they have to make a statement saying they want to be part of it.
- Burma, Egypt, Kuwait and the UAE are some countries that were part of the British Empire but never joined the Commonwealth.
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68. What is that crime, which when tried is punishable, but when done the culprit crime doer cannot be punished?
(a) Murder
(b) Theft
(c) Suicide
(d) Rape
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (c) Suicide
- Suicide used to be a crime, but the punishment could not be administered since the offender was not alive.
- However, the Law Commission of India suggested removing this law from the statute book (Section 309 of IPC) and this was supported by 18 states and 4 Union Territories.
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69. What is the Fourth Estate?
(a) The twelfth player in a cricket team
(b) A mode of transport in addition to road, rail and air
(c) A large agricultural cooperative organization
(d) Press
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) Press
- The Press is very important for creating a strong nation, so it is often referred to as the “Fourth Estate of democracy”.
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70. With reference to the National Calendar, which of the statements is/are correct?
1. The National Calendar of India is based on the Vikram Era.
2. The National Calendar was adopted on January 26, 1950.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- India’s official calendar is based on the Saka era, which starts in the month of Chaitra.
- It was put in use on March 22nd, 1957.
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71. ‘Kisan Divas’ is celebrated on :
(a) October 23
(b) November 23
(c) December 23
(d) September 23
[U.P.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) December 23
- Kisan Divas is celebrated annually on the 23rd of December to mark the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a former Prime Minister of India.
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72. Consider the following statements :
1. Aadhaar card can be used as proof of citizenship or domicile.
2. Once issued, the Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2018]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) provides a 12-digit random number called the Aadhaar number to people in India who have passed the verification process.
- Any person in India, regardless of age or gender, can register to get an Aadhaar number.
- During the registration, they need to provide some basic demographic and biometric information, and it’s free.
- The Aadhaar card is only a form of identification and not proof of citizenship or place of residency.
- The Aadhaar number can be canceled or removed by the issuing authority.
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73. Consider the following statements :
1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.
2. The state cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for the sharing of Aadhaar data.
3. Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.
4. Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (b) 2 and 4 only
- The Supreme Court ruled that citizens’ Aadhaar authentication data can only be kept for 6 months.
- This means statement 1 is wrong.
- The Court approved the Constitutionality of the Aadhaar Act, of 2016, except for a few rules on sharing personal info, crime recognition, and use of the Aadhaar system by private companies.
- Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
- The insurance regulator IRDAI said that insurers cannot make Aadhaar a requirement for KYC (Know Your Customer) purposes.
- It can only be used as one of the documents if the proposer/policymaker offers it voluntarily.
- So, statement 3 is wrong.
- The Supreme Court also said in a major Judgement that using Aadhaar for welfare schemes was a “legitimate” exercise.
- It also said that welfare schemes are only those that are funded directly from India’s Consolidated Fund.
- This means statement 4 is correct, so the right answer is an option (b).
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74. The first Krishi Vigyan Kendra in India was established in the year :
(a) 1970
(b) 1972
(c) 1974
(d) 1976
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2017]
Ans. (c) 1974
- In 1974, the first ‘Krishi Vigyan Kendra’ in India was established in Puducherry.
- It was a pilot project and was under the control of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
- Right now, there are 725 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (as of 10 August, 2021 according to PIB) which are helping farmers improve their lives.
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75. Which one of the following is not a principle of “Panchsheel”?
(a) Non-alignment
(b) Peaceful Co-existence
(c) Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
(d) Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (a) Non-alignment
- The meaning of ‘Panchsheel’ is five rules to follow for good behavior.
- These are to have respect for each other’s nations, not attack one another, not interfere in each other’s internal matters, have mutual benefits and equality, and live together peacefully.
- Non-alignment is not part of the Panchsheel principles but is based on them.
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76. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below:
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Functionaries) |
(Oaths or affirmations) |
| A. President of India |
1. Secrecy of Information |
| B. Judges of Supreme |
2. Faithful discharge of Court Duties |
| C. Members of |
3. Faith and Allegiance to Parliament the Constitution of India |
| D. Ministers for the |
4. Upholding the sanctity of the Union the Constitution and the Law |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 3 4 1 2
(b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 3 4 2 1
(d) 4 3 1 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) 3 4 2 1
| List-I |
List-II |
| (Functionaries) |
(Oaths or affirmations) |
| A. President of India |
3. Faith and Allegiance to Parliament the Constitution of India |
| B. Judges of Supreme |
4. Upholding the sanctity of Union the Constitution and Law |
| C. Members of |
2. Faithful discharge of Court Duties |
| D. Ministers for the |
1. Secrecy of Information |
77. Which of the following was called as Economic Cabinet of India by Ashok Chandra?
(a) Planning Commission
(b) Finance Commission
(c) Central Cabinet
(d) Administrative Reform Commission
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (a) Planning Commission
- Ashok Chandra said that the Planning Commission was the economic cabinet of India.
- It was created by the Council of Ministers in 1950 and was not a part of the Constitution or a Statutory Body.
- In 2015, the NDA Government replaced the Planning Commission with the Niti Ayog (National Institution for Transforming India).
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78. Meaning of Extra-Constitutional Right –
(a) That power which violates the limits of the Constitution.
(b) A person who has exceptional powers under the Constitution.
(c) That power which is not in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
(d) That official who has all the powers of the State during the proclamation of emergency.
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002, U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) That power which is not in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
- Rights that are not mentioned in the constitution are called extra-constitutional rights.
- For example, the Constitution did not mention the Planning Commission, but it was set up by a decision of the Cabinet and it had power over the Central and State governments.
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