International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
The correct answer is the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Established in 1992, the CSTO is a military alliance of several former Soviet republics, aimed at mutual defense and security cooperation. Its headquarters are indeed located in Moscow, Russia. In contrast, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was formed in 1954 and dissolved in 1977, while the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was founded in 2001 with its secretariat in Beijing, China.

Notes:
The Tuluva dynasty ruler, Sri Krishna Dev Raya (1509-1529 AD) composed the epic poem, ‘Amuktamalyada’ ( in telugu) that tells the well-known story of the daughter of Periazhvar, Goda Devi, who used to wear the garlands intended for Lord Ranganatha before they were offered to the deity and thus known as ‘Amukta Malya Da’ (one who wears and gives away garlands).

Notes:
The Kathasaritsagara ( or Ocean of the Streams of Stories) is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and  folk tales as retold in Sanskrit by Somadeva, a Shaiva Brahmin. It was a translation of Brihat katha and was compiled between  1063-81 AD for the entertainment of the queen Suryamati, wife of king Anantadeva of Kashmir.

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.

Notes:
World Conference on Disaster Reduction is a United Nations conference bringing together government officials, non-governmental experts and other specialists from around the world to discuss the growing trend of people affected by natural disasters. The first WCDR conference was held in Kobe, Japan January 10- 22, 2005. The outcome of this conference was Hyogo Framework for Action. The HFA suggests five specific priorities for action:

1. Making disaster risk reduction a priority;
2. Improving risk information and early warning;
3. Building a culture of safety and resilience;
4. Reducing the risks in key sectors;
5. Strengthening preparedness for response.

Notes:
Udaipur Declaration is associated with Disaster Management meet at Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was held with mutual support and collaboration among BRICS Countries. BRICS countries resolved to set up a dedicated Joint Task Force for Disaster Risk Management.

Notes:
The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has officially released the Drought Toolbox, which is a one-stop shop for all actions on drought. The toolbox can be used by countries to assess drought risks in their regions much in advance, and prepare to deal with the water scarcity. It uses 30 parameters such as soil moisture, rainfall data and temperature data of the present and past. The drought –forecasting toolbox can accurately evaluate the vulnerability of different geographic regions to drought.

Notes:
Upon the founding of the IMF, its three primary functions were: to oversee the fixed exchange rate arrangements between countries, thus helping national governments manage their exchange rates and allowing these governments to prioritize economic growth, and to provide short-term capital to aid the balance of payments.

Notes:
This missile has a theoretical maximum range of some 3,000 km with a 1,000 kg payload (conventional or strategic). Tested to range of over 2,000 km, the Agni-II has an all-solid propellant system.

Notes:
On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year to be celebrated as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. It aims to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.