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
19211
OCHA chairs and services the **Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)**. What is the IASC?
Answer:
A unique humanitarian coordination forum that brings together UN agencies, non-UN organizations, and Red Cross/Red Crescent movements.
The IASC is the primary mechanism for high-level coordination and policy development in humanitarian response.
19212
What is the primary mandate of OCHA?
Answer:
To coordinate humanitarian action, promote response coherence, advocate for people in need, and manage humanitarian financing.
OCHA is a coordinating body; it does not typically implement projects directly or raise the majority of aid funds.
19213
The head of OCHA is the **Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator**. This position is commonly known as the:
Answer:
ERC
The Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) is the top humanitarian official in the UN system, appointed by the Secretary-General.
19214
Where is the global headquarters of OCHA located?
Answer:
Geneva, Switzerland, and New York City, USA
OCHA maintains dual headquarters: one in New York for policy and management, and one in Geneva for operational coordination and resource mobilization.
19215
In what year was OCHA established, succeeding the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA)?
Answer:
1998
OCHA was established in January 1998 to replace the DHA (Department of Humanitarian Affairs), with a stronger mandate for coordination and advocacy.
19216
What does the acronym OCHA stand for?
Answer:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.
19217
The OHCHR helps to integrate human rights considerations across the entire UN system. This is known as:
Answer:
Mainstreaming human rights.
Mainstreaming ensures that all UN entities, from peacekeeping to development, consider human rights implications in their work.
19218
Which of the following describes the key mechanism by which OHCHR engages with victims of human rights violations who lack access to domestic remedies?
Answer:
Facilitating the submission of individual communications (complaints) to the UN Treaty Bodies.
Under the Optional Protocols to various treaties, individuals can submit complaints to the Treaty Bodies, a process supported by OHCHR.
19219
In the context of protecting civic space, the OHCHR actively advocates for the rights of:
Answer:
Human rights defenders and civil society actors.
OHCHR highlights and intervenes in cases where human rights defenders and civic organizations are persecuted or silenced.
19220
What is the primary objective of the OHCHR’s work on **racism and racial discrimination**?
Answer:
To promote the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and combat contemporary forms of discrimination.
This is a core thematic priority, supporting the UN's international legal instruments against racial discrimination.