UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies
Question 11: International Relations and Current Affairs
Which one of the following was the venue for the preliminary talks between the Sri Lankan Government and representatives of Tamil United Liberation Front and other militant groups?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
The key gives Zurich, but this fact is hard to place. The best-known talks between the Sri Lankan Government and Tamil groups, including the TULF and the militant outfits, were held at Thimphu in Bhutan in 1985 with Indian mediation. Colombo, New Delhi and Chennai all hosted other meetings over the years. For revision, link Thimphu with 1985 and the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord with 1987.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) New Delhi hosted consultations but, per the key, was not the venue of the preliminary talks.
- (b) Colombo was the seat of the government, not the venue named by the key.
- (c) The key's choice: Zurich.
- (d) Chennai was a base of Tamil groups, not the venue named by the key.
Worth knowing: I cannot confirm Zurich; the best-known talks between Colombo and the TULF and militant groups were at Thimphu, Bhutan, in 1985, which is not an option.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.