UPSC Prelims 2004 Q86: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
More than 40 Heads of States/Government were invited by Vladimir Putin in May 2003 to
- (a) Discuss the issues related to the rehabilitation of Iraq
- (b) Celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St Petersburg
- (c) Convene a meeting of European and CIS countries to discuss the issue of missile shield for European and CIS countries
- (d) Develop the strategies for containing global terrorism
Answer: (b) Celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St Petersburg
Explanation
Putin's invitation in May 2003
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Tricentenary of St Petersburg | Yes — celebrated on 27 May 2003, with about 40 leaders |
| Rehabilitation of Iraq | No |
| Missile shield meeting | No |
| Strategies against terrorism | No |
Over 40 heads of State and government attended the celebration of the tricentenary of St Petersburg in May 2003 on Putin's invitation.
Answer: (b) Celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St Petersburg.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The event was not about Iraq.
- (b) CORRECT. It was the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg.
- (c) Incorrect. No missile shield meeting was held.
- (d) Incorrect. It was not a counter-terrorism summit.
Key point
St Petersburg: founded 1703 by Peter the Great; 300 years in 2003.
Remember
St Petersburg's tricentenary was celebrated in May 2003.
Common mistakes
- Linking the invitation with the Iraq war news of 2003.
- Mixing it with a CIS heads of state summit.
- Forgetting Peter the Great's founding date.
Exam tip
Tricentenary 2003: Putin, St Petersburg, Vajpayee was invited.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Saint Petersburg
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments