UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies
Question 1: International Relations and Current Affairs
Among the following Presidents of India, who was also the Secretary General of Non-Aligned Movement for some period?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
The key names Giani Zail Singh, President of India from 1982 to 1987, as the President who also served as Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement. The other three Presidents are not tied to any NAM office: Radhakrishnan served 1962-67, V. V. Giri 1969-74 and Shankar Dayal Sharma 1992-97. Remember the link as Zail Singh and NAM. NAM itself is the grouping of states that stayed outside the two Cold War power blocs.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Radhakrishnan was Vice-President (1952-62) and President (1962-67); he held no NAM post.
- (b) V. V. Giri was President 1969-74; he is not linked to any NAM office.
- (c) Giani Zail Singh, President 1982-87, is the one the key identifies with the NAM Secretary General role.
- (d) Shankar Dayal Sharma was President 1992-97; no NAM office is linked to him.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.