UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies

Question 40: International Relations and Current Affairs

What was the main reason for which Niger was in the news in recent times?

aMany deaths due to AIDS

bFierce civil war

cIntense fighting with Algeria

dFamine and starvation

AnswerThe answer is (d).

In 2005 Niger, a poor Sahelian country in West Africa, was in the news for a severe food crisis after drought and a locust invasion in 2004, which left millions short of food and many children malnourished. It was about famine and hunger, not AIDS, civil war or fighting with Algeria. Associate 'Niger', 'Sahel' and 'locusts' with hunger.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The news was about hunger, not an AIDS epidemic.
(b) There was no civil war in Niger in this period.
(c) There was no fighting between Niger and Algeria.
(d) Correct: famine and starvation after drought and locusts.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.