Prepare for the UPSC Prelims with comprehensive topic-wise questions on General Knowledge, focusing on Important Institutions and Agencies. Enhance your understanding of key governmental bodies and organizations crucial for the exam. These questions cover a broad spectrum of topics, helping you grasp the intricacies of various institutions and agencies relevant to India’s governance and administration. Whether you’re aiming for the Civil Services or simply seeking to expand your knowledge base, these curated questions offer a valuable resource for exam preparation. Dive deep into the functioning, roles, and significance of essential institutions and agencies, empowering yourself to tackle the UPSC Prelims with confidence and insight. Master the fundamentals and sharpen your analytical skills with this targeted study material tailored to UPSC aspirants.
Q1. Which one of the following countries had in 1994 voted against joining the European Union? (1995)
(a) Norway
(b) Sweden
(c) Finland
(d) Austria
Ans. (a)
In 1994, Norway held a referendum on joining the European Union. While Sweden, Austria, and Finland were in favor of joining, Norway voted against EU membership. As a result, Norway is not a member state of the European Union. However, it maintains close ties through its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), which was established in 1994. Additionally, Norway was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1960, serving as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of the EU.In 1994, Norway held a referendum on joining the European Union. While Sweden, Austria, and Finland were in favor of joining, Norway voted against EU membership. As a result, Norway is not a member state of the European Union. However, it maintains close ties through its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), which was established in 1994. Additionally, Norway was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1960, serving as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of the EU.
Q2. MERCOSUR consists of group of countries of? (1998)
(a) Africa
(b) Asia
(c) Latin America
(d) South-East Asia
Ans. (c)
MERCOSUR, also referred to as the Common Market of the South, comprises a coalition of Latin American nations. Established by the Treaty of Asuncion in 1991 and the Protocol of Ouro Preto in 1994, MERCOSUR is a regional trade bloc primarily located in South America. Its core members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Q3. Match the following. (2001)
| List I (Institutes) | List II (Locations) |
| A. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | 1. Chandigarh |
| B. Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics | 2. Hyderabad |
| C. Institute of Microbial Technology | 3. New Delhi |
| D. National Institute of Immunology | 4. Lucknow |
Codes
A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3
(b) 4 2 1 3
(c) 2 4 3 1
(d) 4 2 3 1
Ans. (b)
The correct matching is A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3.
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is situated in Lucknow. Originally established as Central Indian Medicinal Plant Organisation (CIMPO) in 1959, CIMAP is a multidisciplinary research unit renowned for its high-quality work in biological and chemical sciences.
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics is an Indian biotechnology research center located in Hyderabad. It was founded in 1990.
Institute of Microbial Technology is based in Chandigarh. Established in 1984, it was set up to lead in the specialized domain of microbial technology.
National Institute of Immunology is located in New Delhi. Established on June 24th, 1981, it is an autonomous research institute dedicated to immunology research.
Q4. Survey of India is under the Ministry of (2003)04. Survey of India is under the Ministry of (2003)
(a) Defence
(b) Environment and Forests
(c) Home Affairs
(d) Science and Technology
Ans. (d)
Survey of India falls under the Ministerial Department of Science and Technology. Established in 1767, it serves as the nation’s primary mapping agency, offering base maps crucial for expeditions and integrated development.
In 2005, the Union Cabinet sanctioned the National Map Policy, which designates Survey of India to generate, uphold, and distribute the comprehensive topographic map database of the entire country.
Q5. Tarun Bharat Sangh, an organisation based in a village near Alwar (Rajasthan) has become famous because of (2004)
(a) cultivation of genetically modified cotton
(b) rehabilitation of women victims of AIDS
(c) livelihood projects for destitute rural women
(d) rain-water harvesting
Ans. (d)
Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) is an organization headquartered in Alwar, Rajasthan, and operates in the domain of rainwater harvesting. As a non-profit environmental NGO, it has been instrumental in rejuvenating and reviving 11 rivers in the state of Rajasthan.
Q6. Match the following. (2004)
| List I (Institutes) | List II (Locations) |
| A. Indian Institute of Geomagnetism | 1. Coimbatore |
| B. International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials | 2. Mumbai |
| C. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History | 3. Jabalpur |
| D. Tropical Forestry Research Institute | 4. Hyderabad |
Codes
A B C D
(a) 2 3 1 4
(b) 1 4 2 3
(c) 2 4 1 3
(d) 1 3 2 4
Ans. (c)
The correct matching is A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3.
Indian Institute of Geomagnetism is situated in Mumbai. It operates as an autonomous research institution under the Department of Science and Technology.
International Advanced Research Centre for Power Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) was established in 1997 as an Autonomous Research and Development Centre of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Its main campus is located in Hyderabad, with operations in Chennai and Gurgaon.
Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History is located in Coimbatore. It serves as a national center for information, education, and research in ornithology and natural history in India.
Tropical Forestry Research Institute is based in Jabalpur. It is one of the eight regional institutes under the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education, established in April 1988 to provide research support for forest management issues in central India.
Q7. Consider the following statements. (2005)
1. The number of post office in India is in excess of 1 lakh.
2. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was formed in the year 1997.
3. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established in the year 2000.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) Only 1
(d) Only 3
Ans. (c)
Statement (1) is indeed correct. India boasts the world’s largest postal network, comprising 1,55,015 post offices, out of which 1,39,144 are located in rural areas. Each post office caters to an area of 21.21 square kilometers and a population of 7,175.
Q8. In which country IS Bandung, where the conference of African and Asian nations, was held which led to establishing Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) situated? (2005)
(a) Thailand
(b) Egypt
(c) Indonesia
(d) Philippines
Ans. (c)
The city of Bandung, Indonesia, hosted the historic conference of African and Asian nations in 1955, known as the Bandung Conference. The primary objective of this conference was to foster economic and cultural cooperation among Afro-Asian nations while opposing colonialism and neo-colonialism. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formally established in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1961. This movement aimed to promote national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security among non-aligned countries, while also combating colonialism and racism. Additionally, NAM sought to ensure opposition against imperialism and promote peaceful coexistence.
Q9. In which state is the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development located? (2005)
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Karnataka
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand
Ans. (a)
The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Located in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, it was founded in 1993 through an Act of Parliament. RGNIYD serves as a pivotal resource agency and think tank for youth programs, policies, and implementation strategies. It is actively involved in formulating youth-related policies and developing innovative program initiatives aimed at fostering youth development across the nation.
Q10. Which one of the following countries is not a member of the Nordic council? (2005)
(a) Norway
(b) Denmark
(c) Iceland
(d) United Kingdom
Ans. (d)
The United Kingdom is not a member of the Nordic Council. The Nordic Council is the official inter-parliamentary body in the Nordic region, formed in 1952. It consists of 87 representatives from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, as well as from the autonomous areas of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Aland.
Q11. Where are the headquarters of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) located? (2007)
(a) Dubai
(b) Jeddah
(c) Islamabad
(d) Ankara
Ans. (b)
The headquarters of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is situated in Jeddah. Established in May 1971 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it is an Islamic organization. The conference endeavors to foster Islamic solidarity by coordinating social, economic, scientific, and cultural activities. The official languages of the OIC are Arabic, English, and French.
Q12. Near the end of the year 2006, which one of the following countries was suspended from the Commonwealth after a military coup? (2007)
(a) Kenya
(b) Myanmar
(c) Fiji
(d) Tanzania
Ans. (c)
In 2006, Fiji faced suspension from the Commonwealth following a military coup.
The Commonwealth is a political association comprising 54 member states, the majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. The Commonwealth Charter delineates their collective commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Established by the London Declaration in 1949, it marked the third instance in 20 years that the Commonwealth suspended a country in response to a coup.
Q13. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (2008)
| List I (Organisations) | List II (Associated/ Conventions Persons/ Places/ Headquarters) |
| A. Amnesty International | 1. Viskuli |
| B. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) | 2. Paris |
| C. Danube Commission | 3. Peter Benenson |
| D. European Space Agency | 4. Belgrade Convention |
Codes
A B C D
(a) 3 1 4 2
(b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 3 2 4 1
(d) 4 1 3 2
Ans. (a)
The correct matching is A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2.
Amnesty International was founded in July 1961 by English barrister Peter Benenson, with its headquarters in the United Kingdom. The organization’s objective is to campaign for a world in which every person enjoys all human rights.
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is an organization or alliance of independent countries. It was established on 8th December 1991, in Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus. Viskuli is in Belarus and is associated with CIS.
The Danube Commission is an international intergovernmental organization established in Belgrade on 18th August 1948. The main objectives of the Danube Commission revolve around the maintenance and improvement of navigation conditions on the Danube River.
The European Space Agency is an intergovernmental organization comprising 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975 and headquartered in Paris.
Q14. Department of Border Management is a Department of which one of the following Union Ministers? (2008)
(a) Ministry of Defence
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways
(d) Ministry of Environment and Forests
Ans. (b)
The Indian Government maintains a Department of Border Management within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to address issues pertaining to border management. India’s border management strategy encompasses development in border regions, communication infrastructure, and coordination with neighboring states, as well as initiatives aimed at advancing India’s national interests.
Q15. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (2008)
| List I (Services/Agencies) | List II (Countries) |
| A. Foreign Intelligence Service | 1. Israel |
| B. Ministry of State Security | 2. Britain |
| C. Secret Intelligence Service | 3. China |
| D. The Mossad | 4. Russia |
Codes
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 2 1 4 3
Ans. (c)
The correct matching is A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1.
The Foreign Intelligence Service is Russia’s external intelligence agency, primarily focused on civilian affairs. Its headquarters are located in the Yasenevo District of Moscow.
The Ministry of State Security is the civilian intelligence, security, and secret police agency of the People’s Republic of China, responsible for counterintelligence, foreign intelligence, and political security. Regarded as one of the most secretive intelligence organizations globally, its headquarters are in Beijing.
Mossad is the national intelligence agency of Israel, playing a significant role in the Israeli Intelligence Community alongside Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (Internal security). Mossad is tasked with intelligence collection, covert operations, and counter-terrorism. Its director reports directly and exclusively to the Prime Minister, and its purpose, objectives, roles, missions, powers, or budget are not defined by law.
Q16. Which one of the following Union Ministries is implementing the Bio-diesel Mission (as Nodal Ministry)? (2008)
(a) Ministry of Agriculture
(b) Ministry of Science and Technology
(c) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(d) Ministry of Rural Development
Ans. (d)
The Ministry of Rural Development has been designated as the Nodal Ministry for overseeing the implementation of the biodiesel mission.
In April 2003, the Planning Commission submitted a report recommending the plantation of Jatropha Curcas (also known as the biodiesel plant or Ratanjot). Currently, experiments are underway for the production of biodiesel from Jatropha seeds and Pongamia seeds in various states, including Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Q17. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? (2008)
| Institutes | Locations |
| 1. National Centre for Cell Science | Mysuru |
| 2. Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics | Hyderabad |
| 3. National Brain Research Centre | Gurugram |
Codes
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
Ans. (c)
The National Centre for Cell Science is a prestigious research center specializing in biotechnology, tissue engineering, and tissue banking. Situated on the University of Pune campus in India, this national-level institute was previously named the National Facility for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture. It is renowned for its work in cell culture, cell repository, immunology, and chromatin remodeling, making it one of the premier research centers in India.
Q18. Consider the following statements (2019)
1. The United Nations Convention Against Coussins Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the oru Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
2. The UNCAC is the first-ever legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised 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 UNTOC and UNCAC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (b)
Statements (2), (3), and (4) are correct.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) stands as the sole legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. The majority of UN member states are parties to this convention.
The protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air is an addition to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). UNTOC is complemented by three protocols targeting specific areas and manifestations of organized crime.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is available to provide assistance in the implementation of both UNTOC and UNCAC.
Q19. Consider the following statements (2021)
1. The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognised Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World.
2. Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct
(d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
Ans. (d)
Statement (1) is not accurate, but statement (2) is correct.
Hyderabad is indeed the sole city from India to have been acknowledged as a 2020 Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This recognition was conferred in acknowledgment of its dedication to cultivating and preserving urban forests.
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