| <\/td> | 5. Peru<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Codes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA B C D<\/p>\n\n\n\n (a) 3 5 1 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) 4 5 3 1 <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) 3 4 4 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) 5 3 1 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (a)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe correct matching is indeed:
A-3. Emesto Zedillo: President of Mexico from December 1, 1994, to November 30, 2000.
B-6. Alberto Fujimori: President of Peru from July 28, 1990, to November 22, 2000. Often described as a dictator.
C-1. Julio Maria Sanguinetti: President of Uruguay from March 1985 to March 1990 and again from March 1995 to March 2000.
D-2. Fernando H. Cardoso: 34th President of Brazil from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2002. He was the first Brazilian President to be reelected for a subsequent term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q2. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 hit the planet (1995)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) Pluto <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) Mars <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) Jupiter <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) Saturn<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (c)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe explanation is correct. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 did indeed collide with the planet Jupiter. Discovered by Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker along with David Levy on March 24, 1994, the comet fragmented in July 1992 before impacting Jupiter in July 1994. This event provided scientists with the first direct observation of an extraterrestrial collision between solar system objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, as per NASA, the current count of known comets in our solar system stands at 3743. While the possibility of a comet or asteroid impact on Earth exists, the probability is considered to be very low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q3.A major health mission carried out in 1996 was (1997)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) war against leprosy<\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) small-pox eradication<\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) Pulse Polio Inmmusnisation<\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) popularisation of oral dehydration theraphy<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (c)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA major health mission undertaken in 1996 aimed to make India polio-free. The Pulse Polio Immunization Drive was initiated with the objective of achieving 100% coverage under the Oral Polio Vaccine. This campaign was instrumental in eradicating polio entirely from India. India was certified as polio-free along with the entire South-East Asia region on March 27, 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Presently, India is conducting campaigns for COVID-19 vaccinations to combat and eventually eradicate the coronavirus disease in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q4.In which one of the following country will the no confidence motion to bring down the government passed by the simultaneously a majority to elect successor government? (1997)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) France<\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) Germany <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) Italy<\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) Portugal<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (b)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn 1997, the process of a no-confidence motion to bring down the government was indeed passed in Germany. A no-confidence motion is essentially a vote or endorsement indicating that an individual or group is deemed unfit to hold a position of responsibility, often due to perceived inadequacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More recently, in April 2022, a no-confidence motion was indeed passed against Imran Khan, resulting in his removal as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q5. Proportional representation is not necessary in a country where (1997)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) there are no reserved constituencies <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) a two-party system has developed <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) the first past-post system prevails <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) there is a fusion of presidential and parliamentary forms of government<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (b)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProportional representation (PR) is indeed not deemed necessary in a country where a two-party system has developed. Proportional representation refers to an electoral system wherein subgroups of an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body. It primarily pertains to the geographical and political division of an electorate. PR becomes essential in nations with a multi-party system to represent the interests of minority groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a two-party system, individuals have a clear choice between two options, and the defeated party typically assumes the position of the opposition. As of 2022, the proportional representation system is widely implemented in democratic countries with multi-party systems such as India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q6. The economic and monetary union of 15 European countries is proposed to be made by 1999. But the currencies of two countries, franc, have already the same value and circulate freely in both the countries. The countries are (1997)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) France and Switzerland <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) Switzerland and Luxemburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) Luxemburg and Belgium <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) France and Belgium<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (c)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLuxembourg and Belgium indeed shared the currency Franc, which had the same value and was freely circulating between the two countries in 1997. The Franc is a monetary unit used in several countries, notably Switzerland, most French territories, and former Belgian overseas territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, after the introduction of the Euro in 1999, Luxembourg and Belgium ceased using the Franc as their currency. Both countries adopted the Euro as their official currency, discontinuing the use of the Franc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q7. The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was due to (1998)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) collision with a Soyuz Cargo Ship <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) faulty material design of the Spektr Module <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) explosion inside the space station <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) collision with an asteroid<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (a)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was indeed caused by a collision with a Soyuz Cargo Ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Spektr module, also known as Spectrum, served as the fifth major component of the Mir Space Station. It was launched in 1995 and remained fully operational until 1997. The spacecraft was originally developed for a classified military program called ‘Oktant’ by the Soviet Ministry of Defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the ‘Oktant’ program, the Ministry of Defense planned a series of space surveillance experiments and technology tests for antimissile defense. The Spektr module housed surveillance instruments and launch containers for artificial targets on its exterior, while a control station was established inside for trained researchers. Additionally, an experimental optical telescope named ‘Pion’ formed the core of the Spektr’s payload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q8. Assertion (A): The United States of America has threatened to ask the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to apply sanctions against the developing countries for the non-observance of ILO convention. Reason (R): The United States of America itself has adopted and implemented those ILO conventions. (1998)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCodes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) A is true, but R is false. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) A is false, but R is true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (b)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBoth statements A and R are indeed true, but R does not provide the correct explanation for A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Statement A: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is not widely recognized in the USA, and it operates within its own context.
Statement R: All WTO agreements contain special provisions for developing countries, including longer periods to implement agreements and commitments, measures to increase trading opportunities, and support to help them build the infrastructure for WTO work, handle disputes, and implement technical standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While both statements are accurate, the fact that the ILO is not well-known in the USA does not directly explain the special provisions for developing countries in WTO agreements. These provisions are designed to address the unique challenges and needs of developing countries within the WTO framework, irrespective of the level of recognition of organizations like the ILO in specific countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q9. World Environment Conference to discuss global warming was held in 1997 in (1998)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) Stockholm <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) Riodejaneiro<\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) Paris <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) Kyoto<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (d)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe 1997 World Environment Conference held in Kyoto, Japan, was a pivotal event in addressing global warming. With representation from over a hundred states, the conference aimed to tackle the environmental challenges stemming from socio-economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2022, Sweden has taken the helm as the host country for World Environment Day. This year holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural 1972 Stockholm conference on the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q10. The economic crisis in the later half of 1990s most seriously affected Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea. (1999)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n The cause of the crisis was<\/p>\n\n\n\n (a) mismanagement of the financial resources and financial sector, in general. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) the prolonged over-valuation of local currencies vis-vis the Western currencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) the downswing and recession in the Western economies which earlier provided export market oriented countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) None of the above<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (a)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe economic downturn in the latter half of the 1990s, primarily impacting Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea, stemmed from financial mismanagement and systemic issues in the financial sector. Known as the Asian financial crisis, this turmoil extended its reach across much of East Asia and Southeast Asia. It initially manifested as a currency crisis when Bangkok untethered the Thai baht, triggering a significant capital flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the Asian financial crisis, the world has witnessed other notable financial upheavals such as the 2001 Argentine economic crisis, the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, and the 2014 Russian financial crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of 2022, Sri Lanka faces significant economic challenges due to its default on payments, contributing to a substantial multimillion-dollar economic burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q11. The reason for Chechnya to be in the news recently is (2004)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) discovery of huge reserves of oil <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) separatist rebellious activities by the local people <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) continuous conflict between the government troops and the narcotic mafia resulting in a great loss of human life <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) intense cold wave killing hundreds of people<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (b)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRecent news concerning Chechnya has primarily revolved around the separatist rebellions staged by local residents against the Russian Government. As a republic of Russia situated in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe, Chechnya has been embroiled in debates over independence since 1992, sparking a limited civil war where Russian forces clandestinely sought to depose the government of Dzokhar Dudayev. The first Chechen war erupted in 1994 when Russian troops intervened to restore constitutional order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2022, a notable development emerged as individuals from Chechnya volunteered to join Ukrainian forces in their conflict against the Russian government in the Ukraine-Russia War. This event adds another layer to the ongoing conflicts involving the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q12. More than 40 Heads of States\/Governments were invited by Vladimir Putin in May, 2003 to (2004)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) discuss the issues related to the rehabilitation of Iraq. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St. Petersburg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) convene a meeting of European and CIS countries to discuss the issue of missile shield for European and CIS countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) develop the strategies for containing global terrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (b)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOver 40 Heads of State and Government convened in May 2003 to commemorate the tricentenary of the city of St. Petersburg, a renowned hub of cultural, historical, and architectural significance. St. Petersburg holds an unofficial status as Russia’s cultural capital and is often likened to European cities for its allure. The tricentenary celebrations unfolded in May 2003, highlighting the city’s rich heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, as of 2022, Russia faces global condemnation for its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia War, with the international community unified in its criticism of Russia’s actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Q13. In which one of the following countries did hundreds of people die in year 2004 as a result of flooding and mudslides triggered by Tropical Storm Jeanne? (2005)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n(a) Columbia <\/p>\n\n\n\n (b) Haiti<\/p>\n\n\n\n (c) Sudan <\/p>\n\n\n\n (d) Ghana<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Ans. (b)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn 2004, Haiti suffered significant loss of life due to flooding and mudslides caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne, which was upgraded to a category hurricane. Hurricane Jeanne’s impact was devastating, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the Caribbean and the East United States in September 2004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of 2022, a series of hurricanes including Sandy, Amphan, Delta, and Maria have continued to wreak havoc, claiming countless lives and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n |