General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
19171
What is the primary method used by the IAEA Safeguards inspectors to verify that nuclear material is not being diverted?
Answer:
Independent verification through on-site inspections, material accountancy, and surveillance technologies.
Verification is a blend of technology and inspection to detect any discrepancies in a state's declared nuclear inventory.
19172
Which of the following is an example of a peaceful nuclear application supported by the IAEA in agriculture?
Answer:
Developing new crop varieties that are disease-resistant or climate-resilient through mutation breeding.
The IAEA and FAO jointly run a programme that uses irradiation to induce mutations for improved crop traits.
19173
The IAEA's work on **Nuclear Security** focuses on protecting nuclear and radioactive material from:
Answer:
Theft, sabotage, and unauthorized access by non-state actors.
Nuclear security is concerned with preventing malicious acts involving nuclear material, while safety deals with preventing accidents.
19174
What is the key role of the IAEA in relation to the **Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)**?
Answer:
The IAEA is a contributing organization, providing technical support but not verification (which is done by the CTBTO).
The CTBT Organization (CTBTO) is a separate entity responsible for monitoring nuclear explosions. The IAEA assists with certain technical and information matters.
19175
In the context of safeguards, what is the term for a state that possesses nuclear weapons under the NPT regime?
Answer:
Nuclear-Weapon State (NWS)
The NPT defines NWS as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to January 1, 1967.
19176
The IAEA promotes the use of nuclear techniques in **hydrology** for what main purpose?
Answer:
Mapping groundwater resources and studying water pollution.
Isotope hydrology uses stable and radioactive isotopes to trace the origin, movement, and age of water, which is critical for sustainable water management.
19177
What is the primary purpose of the **IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC)**?
Answer:
To serve as the global focal point for preparing for and responding to nuclear or radiological emergencies.
The IEC provides timely information and coordinates international assistance during a nuclear emergency.
19178
The IAEA's **Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme** is primarily funded by:
Answer:
Voluntary contributions from Member States to the Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF).
The TC Programme helps developing countries use nuclear technology for health, agriculture, and water management.
19179
The IAEA maintains a crucial role in providing assistance and standards related to:
Answer:
Nuclear safety and security, radiation protection, and waste management.
These areas form the 'three S's'—Safety, Security, and Safeguards—which are central to the IAEA's mission.
19180
The **Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)**, promoted by the IAEA and FAO, is a nuclear application used for:
Answer:
Pest control by releasing sterile male insects to prevent reproduction.
SIT is an environmentally friendly form of insect pest control used against agricultural pests and disease vectors like the tsetse fly.