1. Who is the author of the book “The Curious and the Classified”?
[A] Bipin Rawat
[B] Manoj Mukund Naravane
[C] Anil Chauhan
[D] Dalbir Singh Suhag
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manoj Mukund Naravane]
Notes:
Recently, Manoj Mukund Naravane launched his book “The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.” He served as the 28th Chief of Army Staff (2019–2022). The book is a non-fiction work exploring myths, traditions, and lesser-known stories of the Indian armed forces. It highlights military history, culture, courage, and folklore. It traces origins of the popular cheer “Chak de Phatte” and discusses legends like Baba Harbhajan Singh.
2. Who of the following is the author of the books “The India Way” and “Why Bharat Matters”? (UPSC Prelims 2024)
[A] Bhupender Yadav
[B] Nalin Mehta
[C] Shashi Tharoor
[D] Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Subrahmanyam Jaishankar]
Notes:The correct answer is
[D] Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Dr. S. Jaishankar is the current External Affairs Minister of India and a former diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary.
- The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World (2020): In this book, Jaishankar analyzes the challenges facing Indian foreign policy in a shifting global order. He discusses the transition from a non-aligned posture to a “multi-aligned” approach and how India must navigate the rise of China and the changing dynamics of the US-India relationship.
- Why Bharat Matters (2024): This work focuses on the evolution of India’s foreign policy under the current administration, emphasizing the shift from “India” to “Bharat” in a geopolitical context. It argues that India’s external outlook is now more rooted in its civilizational identity and culture.
- Shashi Tharoor (Option C – Incorrect): While a prolific author and diplomat, his famous works include Inglorious Empire, The Era of Darkness, and An Era of Darkness.
- Bhupender Yadav and Nalin Mehta (Options A & B – Incorrect): Bhupender Yadav is known for The Rise of the BJP, and Nalin Mehta is a journalist and academic known for works like The New BJP.
Dr. Jaishankar’s books are frequently cited in discussions regarding India’s “leading power” ambitions and its strategic autonomy in the 21st century.
3. Who is the author of the book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’?
[A] Sudha Murty
[B] Om Birla
[C] Nitin Gadkari
[D] Shashi Tharoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sudha Murty]
Notes:
C. P. Radhakrishnan, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, released the book “Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament.” The book is authored by Sudha Murty, a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). It has been published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. The publication highlights India’s history and heritage through parliamentary murals, bringing cultural narratives to a wider audience.
4. Who is the author of book “The Doom Loop”?
[A] Esar Prasad
[B] Shashi Tharoor
[C] Nitin Gadkari
[D] Vikrant Sinha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Esar Prasad]
Notes:
In 2026, the book The Doom Loop was released, authored by Eswar Prasad, which analyzes the growing disorder in the global economic system. The book highlights a “doom loop”, where interconnected global forces reinforce instability, making it harder to restore economic balance and global cooperation.
5. Who is the author of the book “Revolutionary Raj: Narendra Modi’s 25 Years”?
[A] Rajdeep Sardesai
[B] Shekhar Gupta
[C] Prannoy Roy
[D] Alok Mehta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Alok Mehta]
Notes:
“Revolutionary Raj: Narendra Modi’s 25 Years,” authored by veteran journalist Padma Shri Alok Mehta, is a coffee table book launched in 2026 analyzing PM Modi’s political journey from Gujarat CM to Prime Minister. The book highlights his transformative governance, administrative innovations, and key welfare initiatives. It covers Modi’s 25 years in public life, discussing his policies, ideology, and impact on Indian society and the global stage.
6. Who is the author of the book “Karuna: The Power of Compassion”?
[A] Kiran Bedi
[B] Malala Yousafzai
[C] Surya Kant
[D] Kailash Satyarthi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kailash Satyarthi]
Notes:
Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2014), released his new book Karuna: The Power of Compassion in March 2026. The book was launched by the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC) in association with HarperCollins India. The launch event was attended by Justice Surya Kant and Kiran Bedi. The book highlights compassion as a transformative force to address global challenges like inequality and conflict. It introduces the concept of Compassion Quotient (CQ) to measure and enhance compassion. Kailash Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize 2014 along with Malala Yousafzai.
7. Who of the following is the author of the book The Audacity of Hope? (UPSC Prelims 2009)
[A] Al Gore
[B] Barack Obama
[C] Bill Clinton
[D] Hillary Clinton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barack Obama]
Notes:
The Audacity of Hope is a memoir written by Barack Obama, published in 2006. The book presents Obama’s political philosophy and personal journey, discussing his views on various American issues including faith, politics, and family values. This work helped establish Obama as a national political figure before his 2008 presidential campaign. Although Al Gore, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton are notable political figures with their own books, none authored The Audacity of Hope.
8. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
| List I (Book) |
List II (Author) |
| A. In Custody |
1. Amartya Sen |
| B. Sea of Poppies |
2. Amitav Ghosh |
| C. The Argumentative Indian |
3. Anita Desai |
| D. Unaccustomed Earth |
4. Jhumpa Lahiri |
Which of the above codes is correct? (UPSC Prelims 2009)
[A] A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3
[B] A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4
[C] A-4 B-2 C-1 D-3
[D] A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4]
Notes:
The correct matching is: A-3 (In Custody by Anita Desai), B-2 (Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh), C-1 (The Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen), and D-4 (Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri). In Custody is Anita Desai’s acclaimed novel about a Hindi teacher and poet. Sea of Poppies is Amitav Ghosh’s historical fiction set during the opium trade. The Argumentative Indian is Amartya Sen’s collection of essays on Indian philosophy and democracy. Unaccustomed Earth is Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection exploring the Bengali-American immigrant experience, which won the PEN/Hemingway Award.
9. Who is the author of the book “Mahatma: A Great Communicator” released in March 2026?
[A] Ramachandra Guha
[B] Dhiraj Kakadia
[C] Rajmohan Gandhi
[D] Bibek Debroy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhiraj Kakadia]
Notes:
In March 2026, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports released the book “Mahatma: A Great Communicator” at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, New Delhi. The book is written by Dr Dhiraj Kakadia, Additional Director General of Akashvani. It highlights the life of Mahatma Gandhi and focuses on how his powerful communication skills strengthened India’s freedom struggle. The aim is to spread awareness and inspire people to follow his values in daily life.
10. Who is the author of the book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman released by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan in February 2026?
[A] Murli Manohar Joshi
[B] Arif Mohammed Khan
[C] Vikram Seth
[D] Vijay Goel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vijay Goel]
Notes:
C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman. The book is authored by Vijay Goel. It was launched at Dr Ambedkar International Centre on February 21. The Vice-President called it a tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bharat Ratna awardee. Vajpayee was praised for integrity, inclusive politics and democratic values.