61. Which one among the following countries, which was in the news recentl

Which one among the following countries, which was in the news recently, has lost more than 90% of the value of its currency in two years?

Algeria
Lebanon
Morocco
Turkey
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022
Lebanon’s currency has experienced a massive devaluation since late 2019, losing well over 90% of its value against the US dollar in the informal market due to a severe economic and financial crisis. This has led to hyperinflation and widespread poverty.
– Lebanon faced a major economic crisis starting in 2019.
– The Lebanese pound’s value plummeted dramatically on the black market.
– The crisis was driven by a combination of factors including political instability, unsustainable debt, and a failing financial system.
While other countries like Turkey have also faced significant currency depreciation in recent years, Lebanon’s currency collapse has been one of the most drastic globally in the specified timeframe, exceeding 90% loss in value.

62. Recently, the WHO has approved the widespread use of the World’s first

Recently, the WHO has approved the widespread use of the World’s first vaccine against which one of the following diseases/infections ?

Hepatitis C
Nipah Virus
Malaria
Zika Virus
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022
The correct answer is Malaria.
In October 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with moderate to high *Plasmodium falciparum* malaria transmission. This marked the first time the WHO had recommended a malaria vaccine for widespread use, making it the “world’s first vaccine against malaria” to receive such a recommendation for implementation.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a major public health problem, particularly in Africa. The development and approval of the malaria vaccine is considered a significant step in the fight against this disease, although the vaccine’s efficacy is moderate and it is used as part of a comprehensive malaria control strategy. Vaccines for Hepatitis C, Nipah Virus, and Zika Virus were not recommended for widespread use by the WHO in this manner around that time.

63. Recently, in which one of the following countries did the military ous

Recently, in which one of the following countries did the military oust the Government and seize power ?

Belarus
Costa Rica
Sudan
Turkmenistan
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022
The correct answer is Sudan.
The question asks about a country where the military recently ousted the government and seized power. Among the options provided, Sudan experienced a significant military coup in recent history (relative to the likely timeframe of the question, possibly late 2021 or early 2022). In October 2021, the Sudanese military, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, dissolved the transitional civilian government and arrested civilian leaders, effectively seizing power. This event led to widespread protests and international condemnation.
While other countries listed might face political challenges, none have experienced a direct military coup ousting the government in the same prominent manner as Sudan did in October 2021. Belarus has an authoritarian regime, Costa Rica is a stable democracy without a standing army, and Turkmenistan is also an authoritarian state, but none saw a recent military coup of the type described. The coup in Sudan was a major international news event at the time.

64. Which one of the following statements about BIMSTEC is not correct ?

Which one of the following statements about BIMSTEC is not correct ?

It is a regional organization comprising eight member states lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal.
This sub-regional organization came into being in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
Nepal and Myanmar are members of BIMSTEC.
It is a platform of inter-regional co-operation between SAARC and ASEAN members.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional organization comprising seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Statement A says it comprises eight member states, which is incorrect.
BIMSTEC connects South Asia and Southeast Asia, focusing on economic and technical cooperation.
– Statement B is correct: BIMSTEC was established on 6 June 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
– Statement C is correct: Nepal and Myanmar are full members of BIMSTEC.
– Statement D is correct: BIMSTEC includes countries from both the SAARC region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and the ASEAN region (Myanmar, Thailand), serving as a bridge between the two.

65. Which country will host the 26 th UN Climate Change Conference of the

Which country will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) ?

UK
Germany
Russia
France
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to the UNFCCC was hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy. It was held in Glasgow, UK, from 31 October to 13 November 2021. Although originally scheduled for 2020, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK remained the designated host country.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It meets annually to review the Convention’s implementation.
Italy was a partner in hosting COP 26, primarily by hosting the pre-COP event and the Youth4Climate event in Milan. The COP Presidency rotates among the five recognized UN regions.

66. Green Strategic Partnership was entered into on 28 th September, 2020

Green Strategic Partnership was entered into on 28th September, 2020 between India and

Nepal.
Bhutan.
Germany.
Denmark.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
India and Denmark entered into a Green Strategic Partnership on September 28, 2020, during a virtual summit between the Prime Ministers of both countries. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in green technologies, climate change, sustainable energy, and water management.
Strategic partnerships are important mechanisms for countries to deepen cooperation on specific priority areas. The ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ highlights the focus on environmental sustainability and climate action.
The Green Strategic Partnership is described as one of the first of its kind between India and an EU country. It focuses on areas like offshore wind energy, water technology, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.

67. Which of the following statements in respect of India-Bangladesh Joint

Which of the following statements in respect of India-Bangladesh Joint Summit held on 17 December, 2020 is/are correct ?

  • 1. Both sides reiterated their strong resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
  • 2. Both sides emphasized simplifying people-to-people movement between the two countries.
  • 3. Filming of the biopic of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also figured in the discussion.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 only
1 and 3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
The India-Bangladesh Joint Summit held on December 17, 2020, covered a wide range of issues. Based on the joint statement released after the summit:
1. Both sides reiterated their strong resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This point was explicitly mentioned.
2. Both sides emphasized simplifying people-to-people movement, discussing issues like travel through land ports and simplifying visa procedures.
3. Filming of the biopic of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a joint production venture, was discussed, and progress was reviewed, aiming for its release during the Mujib Barsha (birth centenary year).
All three statements are accurate reflections of the discussions and outcomes of the summit.
Joint statements released after bilateral summits are the primary source for verifying the points discussed and agreed upon by the leaders.
The summit was held virtually between Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. Several agreements were signed, and various projects were inaugurated during the summit.

68. Which one of the following is correctly matched?

Which one of the following is correctly matched?

XII BRICS Summit : Moscow Declaration
XI BRICS Summit : New Delhi Declaration
X BRICS Summit : Xiamen Declaration
IX BRICS Summit : Johannesburg Declaration
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
The XII BRICS Summit was hosted virtually by Russia in November 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Moscow Declaration.
BRICS summits are typically named after the host city or country. The key outcome document is usually called the ‘Declaration’.
– IX BRICS Summit (2017): Xiamen, China (Xiamen Declaration)
– X BRICS Summit (2018): Johannesburg, South Africa (Johannesburg Declaration)
– XI BRICS Summit (2019): Brasília, Brazil (Brasília Declaration)
– XII BRICS Summit (2020): Hosted virtually by Russia (Moscow Declaration)

69. Which one of the following is correct about ‘Surya Rashmi’?

Which one of the following is correct about ‘Surya Rashmi’?

It is a scheme of the Government of India to provide solar power to households at subsidised rates.
It is an initiative of the Government of Uttar Pradesh to provide solar power for irrigation facilities to all the farmers of the State.
It is an initiative of the Government of India to install solar electrifications in all Government offices and establishments situated in the New Delhi area.
It is a publication of the National Institute of Solar Energy.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
The correct answer is D) It is a publication of the National Institute of Solar Energy.
‘Surya Rashmi’ is the name given to a solar thermal cooking system (often referred to as a solar stove or cooker technology) developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). While it is a technology, among the given options, the one that correctly links it to its origin is stating its association with NISE. Although not primarily a “publication” in the sense of a book or magazine, the term could refer to technical documentation, research reports, or promotional material related to the technology developed and disseminated by NISE. Options A, B, and C describe government schemes, which ‘Surya Rashmi’ is not.
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. It is the apex National R&D institution in the field of Solar Energy. NISE is involved in research, development, testing, certification, and training in solar energy technologies. The ‘Surya Rashmi’ solar cooker is one such technology developed by the institute.

70. Which one of the following is not correct in respect of India’s electi

Which one of the following is not correct in respect of India’s election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a Non-Permanent Member?

There are 10 Non-Permanent Members in the UNSC.
India has already served in the UNSC as a Non-Permanent Member for seven terms in the past.
India had lost to Pakistan in an earlier election to this position.
India has recently been elected for this position unanimously.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
The correct answer is D) India has recently been elected for this position unanimously.
Statement A is correct: There are 10 non-permanent members in the UNSC, elected for two-year terms.
Statement B is correct (depending on the timeframe, but broadly true): India has served multiple terms (8 terms as of the 2021-22 term) as a non-permanent member. Stating 7 terms was correct prior to its most recent term.
Statement C is correct: India lost to Pakistan in the election for a non-permanent seat in the 1975-76 term.
Statement D is incorrect: While India has recently been elected to the UNSC for the 2021-22 term with overwhelming support (184 votes out of 192 members present and voting), it was not a unanimous election in the sense of 100% votes cast. Elections for non-permanent seats often involve contests or formal voting even if the candidate is endorsed by their regional group.
India served its 8th term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the period 2021-2022. These elections happen annually in the General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are elected each year. Members are elected by secret ballot in the General Assembly, requiring a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.