International Relations is important part of UPSC syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on International Relation.
PYQ on International Relations
Q- With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (2022)
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
2.Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is correct: Article 3, Section 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) stipulates that every state has the authority to determine the extent of its territorial sea, which may not exceed 12 nautical miles from baselines established in accordance with the Convention.
Statement 2 is correct: Article 17, Section 3 of UNCLOS affirms that ships of all States, regardless of whether they are coastal or land-locked, possess the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
Statement 3 is correct: The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is defined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). According to UNCLOS, the EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from baselines and is measured from the breadth of the territorial sea.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2022)
1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north-western Kenya.
2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil war live in Bidibidi.
3. Some people who fled from civil war in Somalia live in Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is incorrect: Bidibidi is situated in the Yumbe district of Uganda and serves as a significant refugee settlement.
Statement 2 is correct: Bidibidi hosts a population of over 270,000 refugees, primarily originating from South Sudan.
Statement 3 is correct: The Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya comprises three camps: Dagahaley, Ifo, and Hagadera. While Dagahaley and Ifo are located in the Lagdera (Dadaab) district, Hagadera is situated in the neighboring Fafi district. The establishment of the first camp dates back to 1991, as refugees escaping the civil conflict in Somalia sought refuge in Kenya. A subsequent large influx occurred in 2011, with approximately 130,000 refugees arriving due to drought and famine in southern Somalia.
Q- With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: (2022)
- The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
- Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
- Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 and 2: The United Nations General Assembly has the authority to confer Permanent Observer Status upon non-member states, international organizations, and other entities.
However, there are no explicit provisions regarding the granting of permanent observer status in the UN Charter and the General Assembly’s Rules of Procedure. This practice is based solely on historical precedent.
Statement 3: Permanent Observers are permitted to engage in the proceedings and activities of the General Assembly and are authorized to maintain diplomatic missions at the UN Headquarters.
Additionally, a select group of non-Member States, entities, and organizations receive a standing invitation to participate as observers in General Assembly sessions and deliberations. Permanent Observers enjoy unrestricted access to most meetings and relevant documentation.
Q- With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: (2022)
- It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
- It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.
- It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: The United Nations Credentials Committee operates within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly.
Statement 2: At the commencement of every regular session of the General Assembly, a Credentials Committee is formed, comprising nine members selected by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President.
Statement 3: The committee’s duty is to assess the credentials of representatives from Member States and present its findings to the General Assembly, as stipulated in Rule 28 of the General Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.
Q- Consider the following: (2022)
1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
2. Missile Technology Control Regime
3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
India is a member of which of the above?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Option 1: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multinational financial institution established to foster economic and social progress in Asia. India joined the AIIB as a member in 2016.
Option 2: The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an international agreement aimed at curbing the proliferation of missile technology. India became a member of the MTCR in 2016.
Option 3: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental organization founded on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China. India joined the SCO as a member in 2017.
Q- With reference to the “G20 Common Framework”, statements: consider the following (2022)
1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.
2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 accurately states that the Common Framework for debt treatment beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) is a joint effort endorsed by both the G20 and the Paris Club.
Statement 2 correctly describes the purpose and operation of the Common Framework. It is designed to provide structural assistance to Low-Income Countries burdened with unsustainable debt levels. Under this framework, debt treatment is tailored to the specific circumstances of each eligible debtor country and is initiated upon their request. A Creditor Committee is formed to oversee negotiations, with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, including their Debt Sustainability Analysis tools.
Therefore, both statements are accurately paraphrased, conveying the essential information about the Common Framework and its objectives.
Q- In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)
(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Option 1 is accurate: G20 is an international platform for global economic collaboration comprising 20 member countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union.
Q- With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.
2. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.
3. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Statement 1 is accurate as Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) indeed prohibit quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors.
However, statement 2 is incorrect; the TRIMS agreement applies solely to investment measures concerning trade in goods, not services, as stated in Article 1 of the TRIMS agreement.
Statement 3 is correct: According to the TRIMS Agreement, members must notify the WTO Council for Trade in Goods of any existing TRIMs inconsistent with the agreement. TRIMs are regulations designed to limit the advantages of domestic firms, making it easier for international firms to operate in foreign markets. It’s important to note that TRIMs do not regulate foreign investment directly; instead, they pertain to regulations impacting trade in goods.
Q- Consider the following pairs: (2020)
International agreement/set-up Subject
1. Alma-Ata Declaration Healthcare of the people .
2 Hague Convention Biological and chemical weapons
3. Talanoa Dialogue Global climate change
4. Under2 Coalition Child rights
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Alma Ata Declaration was endorsed during an international conference on primary health care in Kazakhstan in 1978, marking the inaugural international declaration emphasizing the significance of primary health care. Thus, Pair 1 is Accurate.
The Hague Convention serves to safeguard children and their families from the risks associated with unlawful, irregular, premature, or poorly prepared adoptions abroad. This multilateral treaty came into effect on December 1, 1983, and pertains to children under the age of 16. Therefore, Pair 2 is Incorrect.
The Talanoa Dialogue is a mechanism aimed at aiding countries in implementing and enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions by 2020. Mandated by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change, it evaluates collective global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Hence, Pair 3 is Accurate.
The Under2 Coalition comprises state and regional governments worldwide committed to ambitious climate action congruent with the Paris Agreement. Therefore, Pair 4 is Incorrect.
Q- Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)
(a) Japan
(b) Russia
(c) The United Kingdom
(d) The United States of America
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
India and Russia entered into an agreement referred to as the Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field. This deal involves the development of six nuclear power units based on Russian design at a fresh location within India. Additionally, the collaboration aims to strengthen cooperation in other nations and explore new avenues in nuclear technology through joint construction of nuclear power plants. The Action Plan was signed during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi on October 5, 2018.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2019)
- The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
- The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global instrument. anti-corruption
- A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The protocol targeting the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air falls under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), not UNCAC. Thus, Statement 1 is inaccurate.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) stands as the sole universally binding anti-corruption instrument, encompassing various forms of corruption, including bribery, trading in influence, abuse of functions, and corruption within the private sector. Hence, Statement 2 is accurate.
UNCAC entails provisions for returning assets to their rightful owners if they have been obtained illicitly, rendering Statement 3 incorrect.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is tasked by its Member States with aiding in the enforcement of both Conventions, such as UNCAC and UNTOC, in conjunction with the UN Drug Conventions of 1961, 1971, and 1988, which form the foundation of UNODC’s operational activities. Thus, Statement 4 is correct.
Q- Consider the following countries: (2018)
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- India
- Japan
- USA
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
ASEAN, a regional organization established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, fosters economic, political, and security collaboration among its ten member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has entered into five free trade agreements (FTAs) with six Dialogue Partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. These agreements aim to enhance trade and economic ties between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners.
Q- The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2018)
(a) China
(b) Israel
(e) Iraq
(d) Yemen
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The concept of the Two-State Solution is often applied to the Israel-Palestine conflict, proposing the establishment of an independent State of Palestine adjacent to the State of Israel west of the Jordan River. UNSC Resolution 1397, endorsed in 2000 with backing from the USA, marked the inaugural United Nations Security Council resolution to endorse a two-state resolution.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2017)
- India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
- TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
- TFA came into force in January 2016.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was one of the 10 agreements reached by WTO members, including India, during the December 2013 Bali Ministerial meeting, making Statement 2 accurate. The TFA aims to expedite global trade by streamlining customs procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, aligning with Statement 1, as India committed to signing the agreement by July 31st, 2014, with the objective of simplifying customs procedures to bolster trade.
The agreement encompasses measures such as the reduction of import tariffs and agricultural subsidies, the elimination of hard import quotas, and the reduction of bureaucratic processes at international borders. India views the ratification of the TFA as complementary to its ongoing trade reforms, which aim to enhance transparency and streamline cross-border trade in goods.
Additionally, the TFA’s implementation has the potential to stimulate $1 trillion worth of global economic activity, generate 21 million new jobs, and reduce the costs of international trade by 10 to 15 percent. However, Statement 3 is incorrect as the TFA came into effect in February 2017 following the ratification by two-thirds of WTO members.
Q- With reference to ‘Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD)’, consider the following statements: (2017)
- The first APMCHUD was held in India in 2006 on the theme ‘Emerging Urban Forms Policy Responses and Governance Structure’.
- India hosts all the Annual Ministerial Conferences in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The inaugural APMCHUD (Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development) conference was held in New Delhi in December 2006, focusing on the theme of “A Vision for Sustainable Urbanization in Asia-Pacific 2020”, thus Statement 1 is inaccurate.
Contrary to Statement 2, the APMCHUD conference is convened biennially. APMCHUD serves as an intergovernmental platform for fostering collaboration and cooperation in housing and development matters among countries in the Asia Pacific region. Established with the backing of UN-Habitat, the event’s organization is determined by the proposal of a member country that is accepted by other members during the preceding APMCHUD conference.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2017)
1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations.
2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Nuclear Security Summits are convened periodically under the leadership of the United States (US) rather than the United Nations, rendering Statement 1 incorrect.
The International Panel on Fissile Materials, established in January 2006, comprises an independent assembly of specialists in arms control and nonproliferation, indicating that Statement 2 is also inaccurate. This panel includes experts from both countries possessing nuclear weapons and those that do not.
Q- The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to (2017)
(a) ASEAN
(b) BRICS
(c) EU
(d) G20
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’, as seen in recent news, pertains to the European Union (EU). This strategy encompasses telecommunications, digital marketing, and e-commerce sectors. Introduced by the Juncker Commission in May 2015, it aims to achieve three main objectives or pillars: enhancing the conditions for the growth of digital networks and services, fostering growth in the European digital economy, and improving access to online products and services.
Q- With reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2016)
- It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
- It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) is an international organization comprising 22 member states located in the Indian Ocean region. Serving as a regional forum, it facilitates cooperation and closer interaction among representatives from government, business, and academia. Established in 1997 as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative, it was later renamed the Indian Ocean Rim Association, with its headquarters situated in Ebene, Mauritius. The organization plays a pivotal role in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of policy decisions adopted by its member states.
The Indian Ocean serves as a critical artery for international trade, handling a substantial portion of the world’s container shipments, bulk cargo traffic, and oil shipments. Given its significance, the Indian Ocean is often regarded as the lifeline of global trade.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association has identified several priority areas, including maritime security, trade and investment, disaster risk reduction, academic and scientific cooperation, cultural exchange, blue economy, empowerment of women, and fisheries management, in order to address the diverse challenges and opportunities within the region.
Q- European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an (2016)
(a) agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East
(b) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries
(c) agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and agreements on trade multilateral
(d) agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is an international financial institution established by euro area Member States to aid countries facing severe financial difficulties. Established in October 2012, the ESM succeeded the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). It offers financial aid, typically in the form of loans, to eurozone nations or as fresh capital injections for troubled banks. Such assistance is provided solely if deemed essential to preserve the financial stability of the euro area as a whole and of ESM Members.
Q- . The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016)
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
RCEP was launched in Cambodia as an initiative by ASEAN to encourage trade among its member states and six other countries (Six countries are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea). The 10 members of ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Q- Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2016)
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The OBOR initiative, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. The term ‘Belt’ corresponds to the ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance cooperation at both sub-regional and regional levels. Its aim is to establish connectivity between the East Asian economic region and the European economic sphere, spanning across the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Q- Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council? (2016)
(a) Iran
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Oman
(d) Kuwait
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a coalition comprising six nations from the Middle East region. Its member countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE. Notably, Iran is not part of the GCC, rendering Option 1 accurate.
The headquarters of the GCC is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it’s important to note that all current members of the GCC are monarchies.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2016)
1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The proposal for establishing the New Development Bank was put forward by India during the 4th BRICS summit held in Delhi in 2012. The bank was subsequently formed by BRICS in 2014. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect. The headquarters of the New Development Bank is located in Shanghai, China, making Statement 2 accurate. The primary role of the bank is to provide support for both public and private projects through various financial instruments such as loans, guarantees, and equity participation. Additionally, it collaborates with international organizations and financial entities while offering technical assistance for projects. The first regional office of the NDB is situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. BRICS represents an alliance of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Q- Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is (2016)
(a) a division of World Organization Health
(b) a non-governmental international organization
(c) an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union
(d) a specialized agency of the United Nations
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is a non-governmental organization established on December 20, 1971. Originally founded in France, MSF has evolved into an international humanitarian medical aid organization operating in 69 countries. Unlike traditional organizations, MSF does not have a central headquarters; instead, it comprises 24 independent sections across the globe.
The organization provides medical assistance to populations affected by epidemics, armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other humanitarian crises, offering healthcare services to some of the world’s most underserved communities.
Q- Consider the following statements: The India-Africa Summit (2016)
- held in 2015 was the third such Summit
- was actually initiated Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 by –
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The inaugural India-Africa Summit took place in 2008 in New Delhi, establishing an official platform for fostering relations between Africa and India. Subsequent summits are held once every three years, with the second and third gatherings occurring in 2011 in Addis Ababa and 2015 in New Delhi, respectively. Therefore, Statement 1 accurately reflects the timeline of the summits.
However, it’s important to clarify that the summit was not initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951, rendering Statement 2 incorrect.
Q- With reference to the Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)
1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a trade deal involving 12 nations across the Pacific region, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States. However, it’s worth noting that the TPP does not encompass all Pacific rim countries, rendering Statement 1 incorrect. Additionally, the agreement aims to promote trade and investment liberalization among these participating countries. Therefore, Statement 2 is also inaccurate.
Q- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’, often seen in the news, is (2015)
(a) a strategy to tackle the regional terrorism, an outcome of a meeting of the Shanghai Organization Cooperation
(b) a plan of action for sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific Region, an outcome of the delibera- tions of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum
(c) an agenda for women’s empower- ment, an outcome of a World Conference convened by the United Nations
(d) a strategy to combat wildlife trafficking, a declaration of the East Asia Summit
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were unanimously adopted by 189 countries during the United Nations World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. This landmark document acknowledges women’s rights as fundamental human rights and provides a detailed framework for advancing gender equality and achieving parity between women and men.
Q- India is a member of which among the following? (2015)
1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
2. Association of South-East Asian Nations
3. East Asia Summit
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) India is a member of none of them
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
India is a member of the East Asia Summit.
India is a member of ASEAN+6, not of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
India is not a member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC).
Q- Amnesty International is (2015)
(a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars
(b) a global Human Rights Movement
(c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people
(d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization headquartered in the United Kingdom, dedicated to advocating for human rights. Established by Peter Benenson in July 1961, it is currently led by Secretary-General Kumi Naidoo.
The organization’s mission is to promote a global environment where every individual can fully experience all the human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights agreements.
Q- The Fortaleza Declaration’, recently in the news, is related to the affairs of (2015)
(a) ASEAN
(b) BRICS
(c) OECD
(d) WTO
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
At the Sixth BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza in 2014, the leaders came together to sign the Agreement that officially established the New Development Bank (NDB). The Fortaleza Declaration emphasized the NDB’s role in enhancing cooperation within BRICS nations and complementing the endeavors of various multilateral and regional financial institutions toward global development, thereby fostering sustainable and equitable growth.
Q- With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements : (2014)
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
BRICS is an abbreviation representing a collective of five prominent emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Initially, the grouping consisted of four nations referred to as “BRIC” (or “the BRICs”). South Africa became a member in 2010, marking the final addition to the group. Therefore, Statement 2 is accurate. The inaugural meeting of the BRIC grouping took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Q- Consider the following countries :
1. Denmark
2. Japan
3. Russian Federation
4. United Kingdom
5. United States of America
Q- Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council? (2014)
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 3 and 5
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Arctic Council, established in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration, functions as a significant intergovernmental entity. Serving as an intergovernmental platform, it fosters collaboration within the Arctic region. Its member nations include Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America. Presently, Iceland holds the position of chair within the Arctic Council.
Q- Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as ‘Arab Spring’ originally started from (2014)
(a) Egypt
(b) Lebanon
(c) Syria
(d) Tunisia
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Arab Spring denotes a series of demonstrations against authoritarian regimes and socioeconomic grievances, originating in Tunisia in December 2010. By the beginning of 2011, it had proliferated to other Arab-speaking nations in North Africa and the Middle East.