In 2006, Dick Cheney was the incumbent Vice President of the United States, serving under President George W. Bush [1, p13]. Cheney held the office from January 20, 2001, to January 20, 2009. The provided PDF's answer key incorrectly marks (d) and its explanation is not relevant to the 2006 timeframe [1, p13].
52
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Standing Committee had agreed in principle in 2006 to grant observer status to:
In April 2006, the United States and South Korea formally requested observer status in SAARC. The SAARC Council of Ministers agreed in principle to grant this status to the US, South Korea, and the European Union in August 2006 [1, p13]. This marked an expansion of SAARC's engagement with global powers.
"The Spirit of Islam," first published in 1891, was authored by Syed Ameer Ali, a prominent Indo-British jurist, political leader, and Islamic scholar [1, p13]. The book is considered an influential work on Islamic history and thought.
The term "Fourth Estate" refers to the press and news media, both in its explicit capacity of advocacy and implicit ability to frame political issues [1, p13]. Though not formally recognized as a part of a political system, it wields significant indirect social influence.
Angela Merkel became the Chancellor of Germany on November 22, 2005, and was serving in this capacity in 2006 [1, p13]. She was the first woman to hold the office and served for four terms.
56
Rafic Baha El Deen Al Hariri had been the Prime Minister of:
Rafic Hariri was a prominent Lebanese statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon for two terms: from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation in October 2004 [1, p12]. He was assassinated in February 2005.
57
What was the magnitude of the Earthquake that shook Northern Pakistan and Kashmir on October 8, 2005?
The devastating earthquake that struck northern Pakistan and parts of Kashmir on October 8, 2005, had a moment magnitude of 7.6 [1, p12]. Since 7.6 is not among the options, "None of these" is the correct answer.
58
Who is the US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian and Central Asian affairs (in 2006)?
Richard A. Boucher served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs from February 2006 to May 2009 [1, p12]. His tenure covered a significant period of diplomatic engagement in the region.
59
The Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2005 was awarded to Mohamed ElBaradei together with:
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2005 was jointly awarded to Mohamed ElBaradei, then Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the IAEA itself [1, p12]. They were recognized for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way.
60
Who is the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (in 2006)?
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar assumed office as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on January 2, 2006, becoming the first woman to hold this position [1, p12]. She served a three-year term until January 2009.
