Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on United Nations Security Council, Darfur region, bamboo diplomacy and more (Week 120)

Indian Express

5 hours ago

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress.
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With reference to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consider the following statements:
1. It has 10 Members, and each Member has one vote.
2. The presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names.
3. Each President shall hold office for three months.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— India told a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, presided over by Pakistan, that there should be a 'serious cost' to nations which foment cross-border terrorism, with the country's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, calling the neighbouring nation a 'serial borrower' that is 'steeped in fanaticism'.
UNSC
— The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— Rule 18 of the Security Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure states: 'The presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names. Each President shall hold office for one calendar month.' Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is not correct.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: main.un.org)
Consider the following statements:
1. This country received independence from French colonial rule in 1960.
2. For a majority of its post-independence era, it has seen single-party rule, military coups and limited space for the survival of democratic governments.
3. It is part of the Sahel region.
4. Its capital city is Niamey.
The above mentioned country refers to:
(a) Libya
(b) Chad
(c) Algeria
(d) Niger
Explanation
— Two Indian migrant workers were killed in the West African country of Niger, and another was abducted after a terror attack on their worksite, officials said.
— The Indian Embassy in Niger said the Mission, in the capital city of Niamey, was in touch with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. It also advised all Indians in Niger to maintain vigilance.
— According to the Union Ministry of External Affairs, around 150 Indians are currently in Niger. They are mostly engaged in the hospitality/service/business sectors. This presents a decline from 2023, when around 250 Indians were in the country.
— In its modern history, Niger received independence from French colonial rule in 1960. For a majority of its post-independence era, it has seen single-party rule, military coups and limited space for the survival of democratic governments. Bazoum Mohamed's 2021 victory in the presidential election marked the country's first transition from one democratically elected president to another.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Sistan and Baluchestan, Khorasan, and Yazd are the provinces in:
(a) Iraq
(b) Afghanistan
(c) Iran
(d) Syria
Explanation
— For more than 40 years, Afghanistan has endured conflict, economic turmoil, natural disasters, poverty, and food scarcity. Successive waves of people fled the country to escape the Soviet invasion, civil wars, the US-led intervention, and the Taliban insurgency.
— Over time, a considerable number of them have sought sanctuary in adjacent Iran. However, the influx increased dramatically after the Taliban regained power in August 2021, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian catastrophe and deteriorating human rights circumstances, particularly for girls and women. Currently, around 20,000 Afghans cross the border each day.
— Refugees to Iran have arrived from Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, and the Hazara districts. Large communities have since formed in regions including Razavi Khorasan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Khorasan, Tehran, and Yazd, particularly in low-income areas.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
The 'Darfur region' was in the news. It lies within:
(a) Democratic Republic of Congo
(b) Tanzania
(c) Kenya
(d) Sudan
Explanation
— A Sudanese coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a parallel government, a move fiercely opposed by the army that could drive the country further towards partition as a two-year-old civil war rages.
— The RSF controls much of the west of the country such as the vast Darfur region and some other areas but is being pushed back from central Sudan by the army, which has recently regained control over the capital Khartoum.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Recently, which of the following capital cities' residents were ordered to evacuate due to wildfire?
(a) Paris
(b) Rome
(c) Athens
(d) Ljubljana
Explanation
— A wildfire raged across a northern suburb of Greece's capital, Athens, prompting the evacuation of some inhabitants, according to the Fire Service. Residents of Kryoneri, located 20 kilometres northeast of Athens, got three SMS messages instructing them to flee to safe regions, according to Greek Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis.
— Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
The term 'bamboo diplomacy' is seen with reference to which of the following nations?
(a) Brazil
(b) Thailand
(c) Cambodia
(d) Vietnam
Explanation
— Nguyen Phu Trong, the Marxist-Leninist who led Vietnam for more than a decade overseeing rapid economic growth and more recently trod a fine line in elevating ties with both China and the U.S. with his 'bamboo diplomacy', has died. He was 80.
— In foreign policy, Trong advocated having 'more friends, fewer foes' while being as flexible as bamboo. That stance culminated in a visit by President Joe Biden to Hanoi last September that saw Vietnam lift the United States to its highest diplomatic status alongside China, Russia, India and South Korea.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to the BRICS grouping, consider the following statements:
1. The New Development Bank established by BRICS aims to provide funding exclusively for BRICS member countries.
2. BRICS has created an alternative payment system called SWIFT to reduce reliance on Western-dominated systems.
3. The latest member to join BRICS is Saudi Arabia taking the total count of members to 10.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) All of the above
(d) None of the above
Explanation
— The New Development Bank also funds non-BRICS countries, not just BRICS members.
— BRICS is working on BRICS Pay, a payment system aimed at reducing reliance on SWIFT and the US dollar.
— Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are its members.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the UAE Golden Visa scheme 2025 :
1. Indian and Bangladeshi nationals can obtain lifetime UAE residency by paying a one-time fee without any investment in property or business.
2. The scheme is open to any applicant and does not require nomination by an authorised agency.
3. Citizens of China and Pakistan are also eligible under this pilot scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
Explanation
— Indian and Bangladeshi nationals are reportedly eligible to secure lifetime residency by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (≈ ₹23.3 lakh), without requiring property or business investment.
— It is a nomination-only scheme, meaning applicants must be put forward by authorised partners, such as Rayad Group, VFS, or One Vasco—self-application is not permitted.
— All candidates undergo rigorous vetting, which includes anti‑money laundering checks, criminal background screening, and evaluation of their societal or professional contributions
— The pilot scheme currently applies only to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. Citizens of countries like Pakistan and China are explicitly excluded in this phase.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 118)
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Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 120)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 120)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 120)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 119)
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Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More