1. Who was the only Gujarati among the initial 19 members of the Gujarat Vidyasabha established by Alexander Forbes?
[A] Ranchhodlal Chhotalal
[B] Magnalal Vakilchand Sheth
[C] Mahadev Desai
[D] Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Magnalal Vakilchand Sheth]
Notes:
Magnalal Vakilchand Sheth was the only Gujarati among the initial 19 members of the Gujarat Vidyasabha, established by Alexander Forbes to promote regional scholarship.
2. Alexander Lukashenko has been elected as the president of which country?
[A] Norway
[B] Spain
[C] Belarus
[D] Sweden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Belarus]
Notes:
Alexander Lukashenko won a seventh term as Belarusian president with 86.8% of the vote, per the Central Election Commission. Lukashenko has won every presidential election since 1994, often amid controversy. Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The capital and largest city of Belarus is Minsk.
3. Which ancient Indian republic state led a confederacy against Alexander the Great during his invasion?
[A] Malloi
[B] Gupta
[C] Maurya
[D] Kaurava
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Malloi]
Notes:
The Malloi, also known as the Malavas, were one of the republican states that formed a confederacy to resist Alexander the Great during his invasion of India. The Malloi showcased remarkable bravery, with many citizens fighting fiercely against Alexander’s forces. Their resistance is noted in historical accounts, illustrating the military and strategic capabilities of ancient Indian republics. The term “gana-sangha,” referring to these republics, emphasizes their collective governance and independence, which were significant in the context of Indian history during the time of Alexander’s campaigns.
4. Consider the following in context of Alexander’s campaign in India:
- Alexander’s invasion was welcomed by the local populations who sought liberation from the Nanda Empire.
- Alexander’s forces faced minimal resistance from the towns of the Malavas and the Oxydrakai.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect as the local populations did not welcome Alexander’s invasion; they resisted fiercely, as evidenced by the opposition from the Nanda Empire and various ganasanghas. Statement 2 is incorrect as Alexender’s forces faced heavy resistance from the towns of the Malavas and the Oxydrakai, with instances of bravery and sacrifice recorded in history.
5. In the light of Alexander’s campaigns in India, consider the following statements:
- Hasti was a tribal chief who resisted Alexander’s forces for 30 days.
- The queen of Assakenoi led her army against Alexander.
- Alexander built a bridge over the Ganges River to advance his campaign.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Hasti was a tribal chief who resisted Alexander’s forces for 30 days: This is correct. Hasti demonstrated resistance against Alexander’s siege.
- The queen of Assakenoi led her army against Alexander: This is correct. The queen took command of her forces during the conflict.
- Alexander built a bridge over the Ganges River to advance his campaign: This is incorrect. Alexander built a bridge over the Indus River, not the Ganges.
Thus, only two statements are correct.
6. With reference to the historical context of Alexander the Great’s campaigns, consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: Alexander the Great is known for his undefeated military record during his conquests.
- Statement-II: His strategic use of phalanx formations contributed to his success in battles.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
[C] Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
[D] Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I]
Notes:Statement-I:- This statement is correct.
- Alexander the Great maintained an undefeated record throughout his extensive military campaigns, establishing him as one of history’s greatest military leaders.
Statement-II:
- This statement is correct.
- His successful implementation of the phalanx formation, which combined heavy infantry with coordinated movement, played a crucial role in his victories against larger armies.
7. Consider the following statements:
- Alexander’s campaign was documented solely by Indian sources.
- Chandragupta Maurya is identified with Sandrocottas in Greek accounts.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- Alexander’s campaign was not documented solely by Indian sources. The primary accounts of Alexander’s campaign in India come from Greek and Roman sources, while no Indian sources mention it, making the first statement incorrect.
- Chandragupta Maurya is identified with Sandrocottas in Greek accounts. Historians have established a chronological connection to Indian history by matching Sandrocottas or Androcottas in Greek texts with Chandragupta Maurya. This makes the second statement correct.
8. Alexandria, a port city recently in the news due to the visit of INS Tabar, is located in which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] France
[C] Egypt
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Egypt]
Notes:
Indian Naval Ship Tabar recently visited Alexandria, Egypt, highlighting India’s commitment to bilateral relations. INS Tabar, a Talwar-class stealth frigate commissioned in 2004 in Russia, embodies the motto “Guts and Glory.” This visit underscores India’s strategic maritime engagement, emphasizing regional cooperation and naval capabilities.
9. Alexander Stubb recently became the President of which country?
[A] Poland
[B] Finland
[C] Romania
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Finland]
Notes:
Alexander Stubb, of Finland’s centre-right National Coalition Party, narrowly won the presidential election with 51.6% of votes, defeating liberal Green Party member Pekka Haavisto. Stubb, a pro-European leader, declared victory in the run-off with a tough stance towards Russia, emphasizing his commitment to Ukraine. The new head of state will oversee security, foreign policy, and Finland’s NATO stance towards Russia. Stubb expressed the win as “the greatest honor” of his life.
10. Alexander Grischuk, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Squash
[C] Tennis
[D] Cricket
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chess]
Notes:
Russian chess player Alexander Grischuk has recently lifted the Blitz chess title, on the final day of the Tata Steel Chess India tournament.
The Russian is already a three-time World champion in this format. He has competed in five Candidates Tournaments.
