1. Consider the following organizations:
- Non-aligned Movement
- Southeast Asia Treaty Organization
- Colombo Plan
With reference to India’s international affiliations, which of the above has India been a member of?
[A] 1 and 3 only
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] 1 only
[D] 1 and 2 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 3 only]
Notes:
India has been a founding member of the Non-aligned Movement and is a member of the Colombo Plan. However, India has never been a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), which was a United States-led defense alliance from 1954 to 1977.
2. Consider the following:
- Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister
- Secretary Defence R&D
- Director General Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
Which of the above offices are held by the same person?
[A] 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The roles of Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, Secretary Defence R&D, and Director General of DRDO are generally held by one individual in India. This practice streamlines defence research and development decision-making, increases coordination, and accelerates technological progress in the defence sector. The combined appointment strengthens the development and implementation of national defence technology initiatives.
3. Which among the following is / are correct statements?
- There are no landlocked countries among ASEAN members
- There are only two Landlocked countries among SAARC members
- All neighbours of India are members of either SAARC or ASEAN
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ None of them]
Notes:
First statement is incorrect because Laos is a Landlocked country surrounded by Burma, China , Vietnam , Cambodia and Thailand. The second statement is easily figured out by you as Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan are landlocked. The Third statement is also incorrect because China is in neither SAARC or ASEAN.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the development of missiles in India:
- Prithvi was the first missile to be developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
- Dhanush is a variant of the Prithvi missile.
- Pinaka is a variant of the Agni missile.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 1
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Prithvi was the first missile under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), and Dhanush is a naval variant of the Prithvi II missile. Statement 3 is incorrect: Pinaka is not related to Agni missiles; it is a multiple rocket launcher developed separately by DRDO for the Indian Army.
5. Consider the following matches:
- INS Arihant: Submarine
- INS Virat: Aircraft carrier
- INS Alleppey: Minesweeper
- INS Saryu: Patrol vessel
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2, 3 and 4
[C] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[D] Only 1, 2 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
INS Arihant is a nuclear-powered submarine, INS Virat was an aircraft carrier, INS Alleppey is a Ponchicherry-class minesweeper, and INS Saryu is a patrol vessel. All pairs are correctly matched as per the official designations of the Indian Navy’s fleet.
6. Which of the following operate under the aegis of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
- Financial Transaction Plan
- Technical Assistance Special Fund
- Financial Stability Board
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2]
Notes:
The Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF) is operated by the IMF to provide financial and technical assistance for capacity development. Financial Transaction Plan is not an IMF-operated entity. The Financial Stability Board is an independent international body, not under IMF aegis, though it coordinates with IMF and other organizations for global financial system stability.
7. Consider the following statements:
- The President of the World Bank has always been a U.S. citizen nominated by the United States.
- The President of the World Bank serves as the president for the entire World Bank Group.
- The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund has always been a European.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] Only 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Traditionally, the President of the World Bank has always been a U.S. citizen and is nominated by the United States government. The President serves as the president for the entire World Bank Group. The Managing Director of the IMF has, by convention, always been a European, though this is not a formal requirement.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes:
- The forum was launched by United Nations to promote tax transparency and exchange of information.
- Peer review of nations regarding tax transparency is a key pillar in the Global Forum’s work.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 is correct
[B] Only 2 is correct
[C] Both 1 and 2 are correct
[D] Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 is correct]
Notes:
The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes was established by the OECD, not the United Nations. Its core function includes conducting peer reviews of member countries on effective implementation of tax transparency standards. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
9. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ):
- The United Nations Security Council consists of fifteen member states, while the International Court of Justice comprises only five judges.
- While elections to the UNSC are conducted solely in the General Assembly, elections for the ICJ are held concurrently in both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2 is correct
[B] Only 1 is correct
[C] Both 1 and 2 are correct
[D] Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2 is correct]
Notes:
The first statement is incorrect as the UNSC has 15 member states and the ICJ comprises 15 judges, not five. The second statement is correct; elections to the UNSC are exclusively in the General Assembly, whereas for the ICJ, elections are held independently and concurrently in both the UNGA and the UNSC.
10. Consider the following statements regarding the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD):
- The EBRD operates only in countries that demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles.
- The EBRD does not provide financing for defence-related projects.
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: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The EBRD mandates that its operations are limited to countries committed to upholding democratic principles. Additionally, its policy excludes financing for defence-related activities, tobacco, certain alcohol products, and business activities banned by international law. Both statements accurately reflect the core policies of EBRD financing and governance.
