Congress rules out leadership change in Karnataka, S Jaishankar slams terrorism at Quad meet
In other news, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a strong statement on terrorism at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in Washington DC. He emphasized that the world must display zero tolerance towards terrorism and victims should never be equated with perpetrators. Jaishankar asserted India's right to defend its people against terrorism and expects Quad partners to understand this position. His remarks come in the context of recent experiences and amid reports of Pakistan's army chief being hosted at the White House. The minister also mentioned India's plans to host the next Quad Summit and proposals to make it productive. This statement underscores India's consistent stance on terrorism and sends a clear message to Quad partners, especially the United States, on India's expectations regarding counterterrorism efforts.
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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. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements: 1. It is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies; its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment. 2. India is the largest destination for this country's exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India's imports from this country. The above mentioned statements refer to which country? (a) Nigeria (b) Benin (c) Senegal (d) Ghana Explanation — The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited nations in Africa and South America and attended the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. — He is the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in three decades. John Mahama, who was elected President in January, travelled to India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. — Ghana is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies; its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment. India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India's imports from Ghana. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries are members of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative? 1. India 2. Australia 3. France 4. Russia 5. Japan Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1 and 2 only Explanation — The Quad countries established the new flagship 'Quad Critical Minerals Initiative' to improve economic security and collective resilience by working together to secure and diversify vital mineral supply chains. — 'This new flagship initiative, along with the high-impact programs and outcomes that the Quad is achieving, will enable our four countries to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to our people and the region,' said a readout of the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. — The Quad consists of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal, a guided missile frigate manufactured by: (a) United States (b) France (c) Russia (d) United Kingdom Explanation — The Navy commissioned INS Tamal, a Russian-built guided missile frigate equipped with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. It is the final warship to be inducted from a foreign source, as India strives for self-reliance in defence. — INS Tamal's commissioning ceremony took place at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ship will shortly leave for her home port of Karwar, Karnataka, according to the Navy. — 'INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions — air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic,' according to the Navy. — INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate of Project 1135.6, a series of Russian-built frigates for the Indian Navy, and the second of the additional Tushil class ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned in December last year. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries is bordered by the Red Sea? 1. Egypt 2. Sudan 3. Jordan 4. Israel 5. Yemen 6. Djibouti Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (d) 1, 2, 5 and 6 Explanation — A ship was attacked in the Red Sea near Yemen's coast by armed individuals firing firearms and throwing rocket-propelled grenades, according to a group authorised by the British military. — The western boundary of the Red Sea is Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, while the eastern border is Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Furthermore, Israel and Jordan share coasts along the Gulf of Aqaba, a northern continuation of the Red Sea. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. The River Seine was in the news recently. It flows through the capital city of: (a) Belgium (b) Monaco (c) France (d) Switzerland Explanation — For the first time in over a century, Parisians and visitors will be able to take a cool plunge in the River Seine. Following a 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) cleansing initiative that made it acceptable for Olympic competitions last year, the long-polluted canal is now ready for summer swims. — Swimming in the Seine has been prohibited since 1923, with a few exceptions, due to pollution and hazards associated with river navigation. Taking a dip outside of bathing facilities is still prohibited for safety reasons. — The Seine was a highlight of the Paris Olympics in 2024, serving as the site of the spectacular opening ceremony as well as the triathlon and marathon swimming events. Rainfall increased bacteria levels, postponing some competitions. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following countries: 1. China 2. India 3. United States 4. Brazil 5. Japan 6. Russia Which of the above mentioned countries are the members of the Biofuture Platform? (a) 1, 2, 4, 6 (b) 3, 4, 5, 6 (c) 1, 2 , 3, 4 (d) All of the above Explanation According to the — The Biofuture Initiative evolved from the Biofuture Platform, a 23-country effort established in 2016 under the leadership of Brazil to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon bioeconomy. — Member Countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay. — Observers: Japan Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to 'Dustlik', consider the following statements: 1. It is a joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan. 2. The exercise conducted in April 2025 in its sixth edition focussing on the counter-terrorism operations in sub-conventional domains and will include both Army and Air Force elements. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Pune played host to the sixth edition of the joint military exercise 'Dustlik' between India and Uzbekistan, which was held at the Foreign Training Node (FTN) at Aundh from April 16 to 28. The exercise focused on the counter-terrorism operations in sub-conventional domains and included both Army and Air Force elements, said officials. — Exercise Dustlik, which means friendship in Uzbek, is an yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. The last edition was conducted at Termez in Uzbekistan and at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand in 2023. The aim of the exercise is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in various environments and terrains. The two-week long activities focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and special arms skills. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following is the only tripartite U.N. agency? (a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (c) International Labour Organization (d) International Seabed Authority Explanation According to — 'The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 116) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 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 four 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 'You Ask We Answer'.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
