International Events (Part-IV)

41. Which is the first solar-powered aircraft to circumnavigate the earth? [R.A.S./T.R.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Solar Impulse-3
(b) Solar Impulse-4
(c) Solar Impulse-1
(d) Solar Impulse-2

Correct Answer: (d) Solar Impulse-2

Solution:'Solar Impulse-2' is a Solar Plane. Solar Impulse-2 started its global journey from Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 9th March, 2015.

42. Solar Impulse-2 aircraft completed its world tour in July, 2016 at which of the following places? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Cairo
(b) Aden
(c) Muscat
(d) Abu Dhabi

Correct Answer: (d) Abu Dhabi

Solution:'Solar Impulse-2' is a Solar Plane. Solar Impulse-2 started its global journey from Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 9th March, 2015.

43. The world's first referendum on same-sex marriage was held in: [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]

(a) Scotland
(b) Ireland
(c) England
(d) U.S.A.

Correct Answer: (b) Ireland

Solution:Ireland is the first country in the world to hold a referendum for same-sex marriage. On 22nd May 2015, a referendum was held in 43 constituencies in Ireland, with 62 percent of the vote favouring same-sex marriage, resulting in constitutional recognition of same sex marriage now in Ireland.

44. Who is the present Secretary General of the United Nations Organization? [M.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2019]

(a) Ban Ki Moon
(b) Antonio Guterres
(c) Kofi Annam
(d) Kurt Waldheim

Correct Answer: (b) Antonio Guterres

Solution:'Antonio Gutterrs' is the present Secretary General of the United Nations Organization, he took office on 1st January, 2017.

45. In October 2014, India was re-elected for three years as a member to? [B.P.S.C 56th to 59th (Pre) 2015]

(a) The UN Security Country
(b) The UN General Assembly
(c) The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
(d) The World Bank

Correct Answer: (c) The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Solution:In October 2014, India was re-elected a member of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC). India's membership of this Council was ending at the end of 2015, but after getting the highest 183 votes in the Asia-Pacific group, India was again given three years membership. India was re-elected its member in the year 2017. In 2020, India again became the member of UN's ECOSOC body.

46. According to a report published in June, 2015 by the 'Trip Advisor' which is the cheapest tourist place in the world? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014]

(a) Hanoi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Warsaw
(d) Toronto

Correct Answer: (c) Warsaw

Solution:According to the report published by 'Trip Advisor' in June 2015, Warsaw was the cheapest tourist place in the world.

47. Among the following, which countries were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of the Ebola virus recently? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]

(a) Syria and Jordan
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

Correct Answer: (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

Solution:The first two cases of Ebola virus were reported in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, followed by the March, 2014 case of Ebola virus in West Africa. Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia were the worst affected. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea were declared Ebola-Free by the 'World Health Organization' (WHO) in October, November and December 2015 respectively.

48. According to the World Health Organization, the country most affected by Ebola is: [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

(a) Nigeria
(b) Mali
(c) Liberia
(d) Senegal

Correct Answer: (c) Liberia

49. Which of the following gases was used as a chemical weapon recently in the civil war of Syria? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

(a) Mustard gas
(b) Chlorine gas
(c) Methyl isocyanides gas
(d) Sarin gas

Correct Answer: (d) Sarin gas

Solution:The chemical attack carried out in the Ghouta suburb of Syria on August 21, 2013, made headlines in the news media around the world. After an investigation by the United Nations between 23rd and 27th August, the expert group said that 'Sarin gas' was used by surface to surface rockets in the attacks.

50. According to a video released in February 2015, the terrorist organization Islamic State burnt alive a kidnapped pilot who belonged to: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

(a) Jordan
(b) Israel
(c) Japan
(d) Saudi Arabia

Correct Answer: (a) Jordan

Solution:The terrorist organization 'Islamic State' (IS) released a video in February 2015 claiming to have burnt a Jordanian pilot hostage alive. The name of this pilot was Muath-al-Kasasbeh.