General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
The current President of IFAD (as of late 2024) is from which continent?
Answer:
Asia
Alvaro Lario (from Spain) is the current President of IFAD, elected in 2022. He is from Europe, but IFAD's leadership has historically come from diverse regions, including a past President from Asia (Kanayo F. Nwanze, from Nigeria - Africa).
2
IFAD focuses on reducing risk exposure for smallholder farmers, primarily through investments in:
Answer:
Sustainable land management, water access, and local weather information services.
These investments help farmers manage risks related to climate, resource scarcity, and lack of information.
3
In the context of IFAD's work, what is meant by **Value Chain Development**?
Answer:
A process of strengthening the entire chain of activities—from production and processing to marketing—to increase rural incomes.
This approach aims to capture more value for smallholder farmers by improving efficiency and linkages along the chain.
4
The **Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP)**, which finances country-led plans, frequently uses IFAD as a:
Answer:
Supervising Entity.
IFAD is one of the Supervising Entities for GAFSP, overseeing the implementation of funded projects on the ground.
5
Which of the following represents IFAD's contribution to global **Knowledge Management**?
Answer:
Generating and sharing knowledge about successful rural development policies and technologies.
IFAD draws on its project experience to inform policy dialogue and share lessons learned globally.
6
The **IFAD Replenishment** process involves what action?
Answer:
A voluntary multi-year pledge of resources by member states to fund the organization's core programme.
Replenishment discussions occur every three years to secure the financing necessary for IFAD's operational cycles.
7
IFAD collaborates with the World Bank, African Development Bank, and others through its emphasis on:
Answer:
Co-financing and resource mobilization.
Partnerships and co-financing are vital to IFAD, allowing it to leverage its own resources to attract additional investment for rural development.
8
What is the key role of the **Portfolio Management** function at IFAD?
Answer:
Supervising, monitoring, and evaluating the implementation of IFAD-financed programmes and projects.
This function ensures projects are implemented effectively, achieve development objectives, and are sustainable.
9
Which of the following is an example of an IFAD project intervention?
Answer:
Supporting the construction of irrigation schemes and providing training on climate-resilient farming techniques.
IFAD focuses on practical, on-the-ground investments in rural productive capacity and resilience.
10
IFAD's project design places a strong emphasis on **gender equality** by ensuring:
Answer:
That women receive equal access to resources, assets, markets, and decision-making bodies within projects.
Empowering women is considered central to IFAD's mission, as women are often key food producers and household decision-makers in rural areas.