Contemporary Events: World: UPSC Previous Year Questions (General Knowledge)

Explanation

The Tshwane Declaration was signed between India and South Africa in October 2006. The declaration marked a significant enhancement of the bilateral relations between the two countries and aimed to strengthen cooperation in various areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, and cultural exchange. The declaration was named after Tshwane, the metropolitan municipality in which Pretoria, one of South Africa’s capital cities, is located.

Explanation

Canada is not signatory to ITER projects.

ITER is a 35-nation fusion energy project launched in 1985, headquartered in France, aiming to prove fusion as a large-scale, carbon-free energy source through the world’s largest tokamak. Its members include China, the EU, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US, with the EU covering 45.6% of costs and others, including India, sharing 9.1% each.

Explanation

Steve Fossett was an American adventurer known for setting numerous world records in aviation and sailing. In 2005, he became the first person to fly a plane solo nonstop around the world without refueling, which was one of his most notable achievements. He is not known for hunting crocodiles, swimming across the Atlantic, or climbing Mount Everest. Thus, the correct answer is for completing the longest nonstop flight around the globe.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Republicans did not win the majority in the US House of Representatives in the 2006 elections. In fact, the Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in the 2006 midterm elections, ending 12 years of Republican rule.

Statement 2 is correct: Bobby Jindal, a Republican, did win a seat in the US House of Representatives for the second time in 2006.

Explanation

Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello won the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering RNA interference (RNAi), a key gene regulation process. Their research showed how siRNAs silence specific genes by interfering with mRNA, revolutionizing molecular biology. RNAi plays a vital role in gene expression, disease suppression, and biotechnology, with potential treatments for genetic disorders, viral infections, and cancers.

Explanation

Nicaragua has proposed constructing an alternative to the Panama Canal, known as the Nicaraguan Canal or Interoceanic Grand Canal, to connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This ambitious project aims to enhance global maritime trade by offering a new route that could reduce shipping distances and costs.

Explanation

Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU on January 1, 2007, after implementing key judicial, anti-corruption, and economic reforms to meet accession criteria. Bulgaria negotiated since 2000, focusing on market regulations and governance reforms, while Romania, in talks since 1995, improved agriculture and judiciary standards. Their simultaneous accession followed sustained reforms and positive EU evaluations.

Explanation

Japan upgraded its defence agency to a full-fledged ministry to strengthen its defence capabilities and better address emerging security challenges. This decision was driven by rising regional threats and shifting global security dynamics.

Explanation

In the latter half of 2006, a significant political event unfolded in Thailand:

On 19 September 2006, the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against PM Thaksin Shinawatra, dissolving parliament, banning protests, and imposing martial law. General Sonthi Boonyaratglin led the coup, forming the Council for National Security (CNS) and appointing Surayud Chulanont as interim PM. Elections were held on 23 December 2007 after Thaksin’s party was dissolved.

Explanation

In December 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, orchestrated a coup that ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and President Josefa Iloilo. The 2006 Fijian coup stemmed from tensions over proposed legislation favoring indigenous Fijians, exacerbating existing ethnic divisions. Military leader Bainimarama seized power, ousting the government and prompting international condemnation. Fiji faced suspension from the Commonwealth and further isolation due to the coup and subsequent actions. The coup highlighted deep-rooted issues of land ownership, resource allocation, and political power between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians.