The 'BBIN' initiative primarily focuses on regional integration through which specific sector?
- Space research
- Military alliances
- Motor vehicles
- Nuclear energy
Explanation: The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) aims to facilitate the seamless movement of passenger and cargo traffic across borders.
Consider the following statements regarding the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC):
1. The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor is a joint economic cooperation agreement envisioned by the governments of India, Japan, and multiple African countries.
2. A primary objective of the AAGC is to establish joint military bases in the Indian Ocean Region to counter state-sponsored piracy.
3. It aims to provide a sustainable alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through quality infrastructure and skill enhancement.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The AAGC focuses on development, connectivity, and capacity building as a transparent alternative to the BRI. Statement 2 is incorrect; the AAGC is strictly an economic, developmental, and connectivity initiative, and does not involve establishing military bases.
With reference to the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and India's position, consider the following statements:
1. UNAMA is a massive peacekeeping military force stationed in Kabul, featuring a heavy deployment of Indian infantry troops.
2. UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council as a political mission to support state-building, development, and humanitarian relief.
3. India has historically supported UNAMA's mandate and heavily emphasized the need for an inclusive, Afghan-led political transition.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. UNAMA is a political and developmental mission supported by India. Statement 1 is incorrect; UNAMA is a civilian political mission, not a military peacekeeping force, and India does not deploy combat troops to Afghanistan.
The failure of Panchsheel in the late 1950s led India to adopt which of the following stances?
- A total move toward the USA.
- The start of the 'Non-Aligned Movement' (NAM) as a more formal group.
- A policy of 'Strategic Silence'.
- The immediate, heavily funded development of strategic nuclear weapons as a core component of a new national defense posture.
Explanation: As bilateral trust with China faded, India sought to institutionalize these principles through NAM to protect the sovereignty of all newly independent nations.
The 'Shahpur Kandi' dam project is designed to utilize the waters of which Eastern river?
Explanation: Located in Punjab (India), the project helps India fully utilize its share of Ravi waters that previously flowed into Pakistan.
Where is the permanent administrative Secretariat of the Arctic Council physically located?
- City of Tromso
- City of Geneva
- City of London
- City of Ottawa
Explanation: Established in 2013, the standing Arctic Council Secretariat is hosted in Tromsø, Norway.
Consider the following statements regarding Abraham Accords and India's balancing act:
1. The 2020 normalization agreements between Israel and Bahrain were signed at the White House ceremony in Washington, D.C., and include a formal security clause that links Indian naval patrols to the Red Sea maritime corridor.
2. The Abraham Accords, signed in September 2020, facilitated the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates under the mediation of the United States.
3. The I2U2 grouping, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States, held its first virtual summit in July 2022 to focus on joint investments in water, energy, transportation, space, and health.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Abraham Accords are bilateral normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations that do not contain any formal security clauses linking Indian naval patrols to the Red Sea. Statement 2 is correct as the Accords, signed in September 2020, formally established diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE, brokered by the U.S. Statement 3 is correct because the I2U2 grouping, often dubbed the 'West Asian Quad,' held its inaugural virtual summit in July 2022 to promote strategic cooperation in six key sectors including water, energy, and space.
Consider the following statements regarding Suspension of HRC members and voting rights revocation:
1. Members elected to the Human Rights Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
2. The Universal Periodic Review mechanism includes a provision for the automatic revocation of voting rights for any member state that fails to submit its national report within six months of the scheduled cycle.
3. In April 2022, the General Assembly adopted Resolution ES-11/3, which resulted in the suspension of the Russian Federation from the Human Rights Council.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as members serve three-year terms and are ineligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms (six years). Statement 3 is correct because the UN General Assembly suspended Russia from the HRC in April 2022 via Resolution ES-11/3 following reports of human rights violations in Ukraine. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) does not contain any provision for the automatic revocation of voting rights; voting rights can only be suspended by the General Assembly through a two-thirds majority vote for persistent gross and systematic violations of human rights.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance:
1. The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Disaster Management between India and Sri Lanka established a framework for the exchange of technical expertise and early warning data.
2. In 2020, the Indian Navy deployed INS Sahyadri and INS Kamorta to assist in the containment of the MT New Diamond oil tanker fire off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
3. During the 2017 floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, the Indian government dispatched three naval ships, including INS Kirch, carrying medical supplies and relief materials under Operation Sahayata.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the 2016 MoU formalised bilateral cooperation in disaster risk reduction, while the Indian Navy's swift deployment of INS Sahyadri and INS Kamorta in 2020 was pivotal in extinguishing the MT New Diamond fire. Furthermore, Operation Sahayata in 2017 saw India demonstrate its role as a 'first responder' in the Indian Ocean Region by dispatching INS Kirch and two other naval vessels to provide immediate medical aid and relief during Sri Lanka's severe floods.
The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) is composed of...
- P5 members only
- All 15 members
- Specialized experts
- Permanent 10
Explanation: The CTC is a plenary committee consisting of all 15 members of the Security Council.
India, Japan, and which nation launched the supply chain resilience initiative?
- United States
- South Korea
- Australia
- Vietnam
Explanation: Australia joined India and Japan to create the SCRI, focusing on securing critical supply chains exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In which specific year was India initially granted its official Observer status by the Arctic Council?
- Year 2016
- Year 2013
- Year 2008
- Year 2021
Explanation: India was granted Observer status at the Kiruna Ministerial Meeting in 2013, recognizing its growing scientific engagement in the polar region.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations:
1. The ETCA negotiations include a provision for the creation of a common currency zone, which follows the feasibility study conducted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 2012.
2. The scope of the ETCA encompasses the maritime boundary agreement of 1974, allowing for joint resource exploration in the Gulf of Mannar as part of the trade liberalisation package.
3. The ETCA draft includes a sunset clause that triggers a review of the agreement every five years, a feature originally introduced in the 2003 India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
None of the statements are correct because the ETCA is a framework agreement focused on trade in goods, services, and investment, and it does not include provisions for a common currency zone, maritime boundary adjustments, or a sunset clause derived from the 2003 investment agreement. Statement 1 is false as there is no common currency proposal; Statement 2 is incorrect because the maritime boundary is a settled geopolitical issue separate from trade negotiations; and Statement 3 is false as the ETCA does not incorporate such a specific sunset clause linked to the 2003 agreement.
Consider the following statements regarding Israeli Technology Transfer to India:
1. The India-Israel partnership has led to the co-development and co-production of the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile defence system.
2. The India-Israel technology transfer agreement includes provisions for the joint development of fifth-generation fighter jets.
3. Israel provided India with advanced laser-guided bomb technology in 2010.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The correct answer is 'Only one' because Statement 1 is true as India and Israel have collaborated on the Barak-8 missile defence system, a surface-to-air missile developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Statement 2 is false because the joint development of fifth-generation fighter jets is actually a collaboration between India and France, not Israel. Statement 3 is incorrect as there is no public record or credible source confirming that Israel provided India with advanced laser-guided bomb technology in 2010, and such transfers are typically well-documented due to their sensitive nature.
Consider the following statements regarding ICC's Investigation and Prosecution Procedures:
1. The ICC is a part of the United Nations and is bound by UN Security Council decisions.
2. The ICC can impose the death penalty on convicted individuals.
3. The ICC's investigation and prosecution procedures are governed by the Rome Statute, which came into effect on July 1, 2002.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
The ICC's investigation and prosecution procedures are indeed governed by the Rome Statute, which came into effect on July 1, 2002, making statement 3 correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because the ICC is an independent international organization, not a part of the United Nations, although it may receive referrals from the UN Security Council. Statement 2 is false because the ICC is prohibited from imposing the death penalty, as per its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, which explicitly excludes capital punishment from its list of possible penalties.
Consider the following statements regarding Common Heritage of Mankind principle in deep-sea governance:
1. The Enterprise, an organ of the ISA, is intended to carry out mining activities directly in the Area, though it has remained operationally inactive since its inception.
2. The BBNJ Treaty, adopted in June 2023, complements the existing UNCLOS framework by providing a mechanism for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
3. The ISA Council is currently developing the 'Mining Code', a set of comprehensive rules, regulations, and procedures to govern the prospecting, exploration, and exploitation of marine minerals.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Enterprise is the operational arm of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) mandated by UNCLOS to conduct mining, yet it remains dormant due to lack of funding and technology. Statement 2 is correct because the BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty) was adopted in June 2023 to address governance gaps in biodiversity conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Statement 3 is correct as the ISA Council is currently finalizing the 'Mining Code' to regulate commercial deep-sea mineral exploitation in the international seabed Area, which is legally designated as the 'common heritage of mankind'.
Consider the following statements regarding BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty) implications for biodiversity:
1. The BBNJ Treaty incorporates the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS and grants the International Seabed Authority the power to veto marine protected area designations in the high seas.
2. The International Seabed Authority retains its existing competence over deep-sea mining activities under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
3. The treaty provides for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from marine genetic resources collected in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the BBNJ Treaty does not grant the International Seabed Authority (ISA) veto power over Marine Protected Areas (MPAs); instead, it establishes a Conference of the Parties (COP) to designate MPAs while explicitly stating it will not undermine existing legal instruments or the mandates of bodies like the ISA. Statement 2 is correct as the BBNJ Treaty maintains the 'non-undermining' principle, ensuring the ISA retains its exclusive competence to regulate deep-sea mining under the 1982 UNCLOS framework. Statement 3 is correct because the treaty mandates a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits derived from marine genetic resources (MGRs) collected in areas beyond national jurisdiction, ensuring global access to scientific advancements.
The 'People-to-People' contact in SAARC is severely limited by the absence of a:
- Common visa
- Common currency
- Common religion
- Shared history
Explanation: Unlike the Schengen area, South Asians face extreme difficulty in obtaining visas to visit neighboring countries.
Which body is the highest policy-making organ in the ASEAN organizational structure?
- ASEAN Summit
- Standing Committee
- Secretariat Office
- ASEAN Council
Explanation: The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body, consisting of the Heads of State or Government of the member states.
The Gujral Doctrine was essentially a policy of:
- Constructive Engagement.
- Isolationism.
- Mercantilism.
- Aggressive Realism.
Explanation: It focused on actively engaging neighbors through developmental and diplomatic carrots rather than the 'big stick' of military or economic pressure.
Consider the following statements regarding FATF stance on Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs):
1. The 2013 FATF Guidance on PEPs distinguishes between high-risk and low-risk jurisdictions, suggesting that PEPs from G20 nations are subject to simplified due diligence measures.
2. The FATF assessment of PEPs encompasses the identification of beneficial owners in legal arrangements, a requirement that was incorporated into the FATF standards following the 2008 global financial crisis.
3. The FATF Recommendation 10 on Customer Due Diligence provides the framework for PEP identification, which was updated in 2019 to include digital asset service providers within the scope of PEP screening.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because FATF standards do not grant automatic simplified due diligence to PEPs from G20 nations; risk assessment must be based on individual profiles regardless of jurisdiction. Statement 2 is incorrect as the requirement to identify beneficial owners is primarily covered under Recommendation 24 and 25, and the specific focus on PEPs was integrated into the 2012 revised Recommendations, not as a direct result of a 2008-specific mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect because while FATF updated its standards in 2019 to include Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), Recommendation 12 specifically governs PEPs, whereas Recommendation 10 focuses on general Customer Due Diligence.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Commonwealth requires member states to hold elections entirely online to ensure digital democracy.
2. The Commonwealth Secretariat is headquartered in Marlborough House, a royal palace in London.
3. The Commonwealth dictates the curriculum for history classes in all its member states to ensure a unified perspective on the British Empire.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Only statement 2 is correct. Marlborough House serves as the headquarters. Statement 1 is incorrect; there is no mandate for online elections. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Commonwealth respects sovereign independence and does not dictate domestic educational curricula.
What was a major breakthrough focus of the 1999 G7 Cologne Summit?
- Nuclear disarmament
- Debt relief
- Climate change
- Global health
Explanation: The Cologne summit was historic for launching the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative to forgive developing world debt.
Which organ can the Security Council utilize for enforcement actions under its authority (Article 53)?
- World Bank
- Regional agencies
- Red Cross
- Trusteeship Council
Explanation: Article 53 allows the Council to utilize regional arrangements or agencies for enforcement action under its direction.
With reference to the restitution of cultural heritage, consider the following statements:
1. The repatriation of stolen cultural artifacts has increasingly become a prominent instrument of India's bilateral diplomacy.
2. The 1970 UNESCO Convention strictly applies retroactively to mandate the return of all colonial-era looted artifacts.
3. Diplomatic negotiations for artifact recovery heavily rely on tracing and proving the legal provenance of antiquities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect; the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property is prospective, meaning it does not legally apply retroactively to colonial-era theft.
Among the G7 countries, which nation has the smallest population?
- France
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Italy
Explanation: With roughly 40 million people, Canada has the smallest population of all the G7 member nations.
Consider the following statements regarding disarmament and test bans:
1. Article VI of the NPT obligates all state parties to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament.
2. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has not yet entered into force because several Annex 2 states, including India and the United States, have not ratified it.
3. The NPT explicitly bans the use of nuclear technology for civil medical, agricultural, and industrial purposes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Article VI mandates disarmament negotiations, and the CTBT is stalled due to non-ratification by key Annex 2 states. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article IV of the NPT actively promotes and protects the inalienable right to use nuclear energy for peaceful civil applications.
Consider the following statements regarding India's trade agreements and the European Union:
1. The European Union is currently India's single largest trading partner globally, surpassing both the US and China.
2. The India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) was successfully concluded and ratified in 2021.
3. India has a comprehensive free movement of labor agreement covering all 27 EU member nations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: All three statements are incorrect. The US and China typically compete for the position of India's largest trading partner, while the EU as a bloc is generally second or third. The BTIA negotiations, which started in 2007, are still ongoing and have not been concluded. There is no free movement of labor agreement between India and the EU.
Consider the following statements regarding Challenges to ICC's Effectiveness and Legitimacy:
1. India has ratified the Rome Statute and is a member of the ICC.
2. The ICC's jurisdiction is limited to crimes committed on the territory of a state party or by a national of a state party, unless the UN Security Council refers a situation to the ICC.
3. In 2017, the African Union (AU) adopted a strategy to withdraw en masse from the ICC due to perceived bias against African states, although some later reversed their decision.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the ICC's jurisdiction is indeed limited to crimes committed on the territory of a state party or by a national of a state party, unless the UN Security Council refers a situation to the ICC, as per Article 12 and 13 of the Rome Statute. Statement 3 is correct as in 2017, several African countries considered withdrawing from the ICC due to perceived bias, with some like South Africa, Gambia, and Burundi initially announcing their withdrawal, although not all followed through. Statement 1 is incorrect because India has not ratified the Rome Statute and is not a member of the ICC, having been a signatory since 1998 but not completing the ratification process.
Consider the following statements regarding advanced technologies and regional integration:
1. The Act East Policy incorporates space cooperation, with ISRO providing training in satellite technology and applications to ASEAN personnel.
2. India’s strategic partnership with South Korea includes cooperation in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber security.
3. Deepening connectivity via the Bay of Bengal, primarily through the BIMSTEC framework, is considered a vital operational component of the policy.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. ISRO acts as a massive technological bridge, South Korea partners in cutting-edge tech, and BIMSTEC functions as the immediate sub-regional vehicle for Act East integration.
Consider the following statements regarding Abraham Accords geopolitical implications:
1. The United States facilitated the normalization of relations between Israel and Sudan in October 2020, which was later formalized through the signing of the Abraham Accords in January 2021.
2. The 2021 Negev Summit resulted in the creation of a permanent joint military command center in Manama, which coordinates regional intelligence sharing between Israel and the Gulf Cooperation Council members.
3. The Abraham Accords Declaration states that the parties involved recognize the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world based on mutual understanding and coexistence.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the U.S. brokered the Israel-Sudan normalization in October 2020, leading to the formal signing of the Abraham Accords in January 2021. Statement 3 is correct as the Declaration explicitly emphasizes fostering regional peace, mutual understanding, and coexistence among the signatories. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Negev Summit (2022) focused on diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation, but it did not establish a permanent joint military command center in Manama; regional security integration, such as the U.S.-led maritime task forces, operates independently of the Negev framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Extradition treaties and the principle of non-intervention in political matters:
1. The INTERPOL Red Notice system operates under the 1923 Vienna Protocol, which provides for the automatic extradition of individuals upon the request of a member country's national central bureau.
2. The INTERPOL Commission for the Control of Files was created in 1972 to oversee the implementation of the 1968 Treaty on Transnational Extradition, which governs the transfer of political prisoners between member states.
3. The 1984 INTERPOL-UN Cooperation Agreement established a legal framework that allows for the direct enforcement of international arrest warrants by UN peacekeeping forces in conflict zones.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because INTERPOL does not have the authority to mandate automatic extradition, as Red Notices are merely requests for law enforcement to locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition, which remains a sovereign decision governed by bilateral treaties. Furthermore, the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) is an independent body established to ensure data processing complies with INTERPOL's rules, not to govern a non-existent 1968 treaty on political prisoners. Finally, there is no 1984 agreement authorizing UN peacekeeping forces to directly enforce INTERPOL warrants, as INTERPOL is an independent international organization that maintains strict neutrality and does not possess executive enforcement powers.
Which Greek name was historically used for the Ravi River?
- Acesines
- Hyphasis
- Hydaspes
- Hydraotes
Explanation: The Ravi was called Hydraotes by the Greeks and Purushni or Iravati in Vedic texts.
What is the primary decision-making rule within SAARC that often leads to institutional paralysis?
- Unanimity rule
- Simple majority
- Qualified majority
- Weighted voting
Explanation: Decisions at all levels in SAARC are taken on the basis of unanimity, meaning a single member can effectively veto any regional initiative.
Consider the following statements regarding Technology Transfer and Indigenization in the Rafale Fighter Jet Deal:
1. The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets arrived at the Ambala Air Force Station in July 2020 after a ferry flight from the Merignac airbase in France.
2. The offset policy associated with the Rafale deal allows for the reinvestment of credits into the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile project, following the 2018 revision of the Defence Procurement Procedure.
3. The 2016 IGA provides for the complete transfer of engine manufacturing technology for the M88-2 turbofan, which enabled the establishment of a dedicated Safran production line in Bengaluru.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the first five Rafale jets arrived at Ambala on July 29, 2020, after a ferry flight from the Merignac airbase. Statement 2 is incorrect because the offset obligations in the Rafale deal are specifically tied to the 'Make in India' initiative for the aerospace sector and do not include the BrahMos project. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2016 Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) did not include a complete transfer of engine manufacturing technology for the M88-2 turbofan, and no such dedicated Safran production line for engine manufacturing was established in Bengaluru under this deal.
Consider the following statements regarding Polymetallic nodules and mineral composition of abyssal plains:
1. The ISA Council finalized the exploitation regulations for deep-sea mining in 2021, which permits member states to bypass the two-year trigger rule established by the Nauru invocation.
2. The ISA Mining Code provides a framework for environmental impact assessments, and under these regulations, contractors have successfully extracted commercial quantities of nodules from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge since 2012.
3. The deep-sea ecosystem of the abyssal plains is primarily sustained by chemosynthesis, which allows polymetallic nodules to grow at a rate of 10 centimeters per millennium.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the ISA has not finalized exploitation regulations, and the 'two-year rule' remains a point of intense legal debate rather than a bypassed mechanism. Statement 2 is false as commercial extraction of polymetallic nodules has not yet commenced, and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is primarily known for hydrothermal vents rather than the abyssal plains where nodules are found. Statement 3 is incorrect because abyssal plains are primarily detritus-based ecosystems, and polymetallic nodules grow at an extremely slow rate of only a few millimeters per million years, not centimeters per millennium.
Regarding the impact of the Gujral Doctrine on India-Nepal relations, which of the following was a key outcome?
- The construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kathmandu.
- The unprecedented and highly controversial complete political and territorial merger of the sovereign state of Nepal directly into the Indian Union.
- India's agreement to provide transit facilities to Nepal for trade with third countries without demanding reciprocal land access.
- The abolition of the open border between the two nations.
Explanation: Under the Gujral Doctrine, India showed flexibility in transit and trade treaties, addressing long-standing Nepalese grievances about being landlocked.
Regarding exceptions and command structures, consider the following statements:
1. Biological and chemical attacks on Indian forces can trigger an Indian nuclear retaliation.
2. Following the Indo-US deal, India's civil and military nuclear facilities are strictly separated.
3. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) physically executes the directives issued by the NCA.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- All three
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The biological/chemical exception was added in 2003. The separation plan was a prerequisite for the 2008 NSG waiver. The SFC is the operational military wing that manages and delivers the weapons upon NCA authorization.
Consider the following statements regarding ICJ's Statute and Rules of Procedure:
1. The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
2. The Statute of the ICJ is an integral part of the United Nations Charter.
3. The ICJ's Statute requires that all judges be from different continents.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The ICJ is indeed composed of 15 judges who are elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, as stated in Article 3 and 8 of the ICJ's Statute, making Statement 1 correct. Statement 2 is also correct because the ICJ's Statute is annexed to the UN Charter and forms an integral part of it, as per Article 92 of the UN Charter. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the ICJ's Statute does require representation from different continents (Article 9), it does not mandate that all judges be from different continents, it rather ensures that the representation is equitable among the main forms of civilization and the principal legal systems of the world.
Consider the following statements regarding UNCLOS bodies and dispute resolution:
1. The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) facilitates the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
2. ITLOS has exclusive and mandatory jurisdiction over all disputes concerning the interpretation or application of UNCLOS.
3. The Enterprise is an organ of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) designed to carry out activities in the Area directly.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The CLCS evaluates claims for extended continental shelves, and the Enterprise is the mining arm of the ISA. Statement 2 is incorrect: ITLOS does not have exclusive jurisdiction; states can also choose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or arbitral tribunals to settle UNCLOS disputes.
Consider the following statements regarding China's Growing Influence in South Asia:
1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in South Asia.
2. China is a major investor in Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port, having acquired a 99-year lease in 2017.
3. China has a military base in Bangladesh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is indeed a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China's Xinjiang region through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and trade. Statement 2 is correct as China did acquire a 99-year lease for Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port in 2017, with a deal worth $1.12 billion, highlighting China's growing maritime influence in the region. Statement 3 is incorrect because China does not have a military base in Bangladesh; while China has been strengthening its ties with Bangladesh through various infrastructure and economic projects, there is no established military base, contrary to some speculations and concerns raised by regional observers.
Consider the following statements regarding Geopolitical competition for critical minerals in the Indian Ocean:
1. India’s Deep Ocean Mission, launched in 2021, includes the development of a manned submersible named Matsya 6000 designed to reach depths of 6,000 meters.
2. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 'Area' and its mineral resources are designated as the common heritage of mankind, managed by the ISA.
3. The International Seabed Authority has granted India exploration rights for polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin covering an area of 75,000 square kilometers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: India's Deep Ocean Mission aims to develop the Matsya 6000 submersible for deep-sea exploration, while UNCLOS establishes the 'Area' (seabed beyond national jurisdiction) as the 'common heritage of mankind' regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Furthermore, India holds a 15-year contract with the ISA for the exploration of polymetallic nodules in a 75,000 square kilometer area of the Central Indian Ocean Basin, which was recently extended to facilitate further resource assessment.
Consider the following statements regarding Trilateral Cooperation frameworks in Africa:
1. India and France have explored joint developmental and maritime security projects in the Western Indian Ocean and East Africa.
2. The India-Japan Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) emphasizes digital connectivity and human resource development.
3. India partners with the UAE to leverage financial resources and logistical capabilities for investments in Africa.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. India increasingly utilizes trilateral mechanisms (with France, Japan, and the UAE) to pool resources, technical expertise, and strategic reach to execute development projects across the African continent.
India and Japan signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement in:
- Year 2008
- Year 2014
- Year 2020
- Year 2016
Explanation: The historic agreement, signed in 2016, was Japan's first civilian nuclear pact with a country that is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Consider the following statements regarding India's integration into global export control regimes:
1. India was formally inducted as a full participating member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in 2016.
2. India has successfully acceded to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
3. India is a recognized participating state in the Wassenaar Arrangement.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; while India applied for NSG membership in 2016, it has been consistently blocked, primarily by China, citing India's non-signatory status to the NPT. India is a member of MTCR, Wassenaar, and the Australia Group.
Consider the following statements regarding Water conservation and desertification mitigation strategies:
1. The UAE-led Mangrove Alliance for Climate, announced at COP27, aims to expand and conserve mangrove ecosystems as a natural barrier against desertification and a mechanism for carbon sequestration in West Asian coastal zones.
2. The I2U2 group, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the USA, launched a joint initiative in 2022 to develop a 300-megawatt hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat, incorporating advanced water desalination technologies.
3. The 2020 Negev Summit established the Regional Water Security Fund, which provides financial assistance to Jordan for the implementation of the Red Sea-Dead Sea Conveyance Project.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) was launched by the UAE and Indonesia at COP27 to accelerate the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. Statement 2 is correct because the I2U2 group announced a 300-megawatt hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat during its 2022 summit, which integrates solar and wind power with advanced water management technologies. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Negev Summit (2022) focused on regional security and diplomatic normalization, and the Red Sea-Dead Sea Conveyance Project was officially cancelled by Jordan in 2021 due to lack of progress and funding.
Regarding the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE), consider the following statements:
1. PACE is a flagship bilateral initiative launched to accelerate inclusive, low-carbon growth through the deployment of clean energy technologies.
2. It encompasses a research component (PACE-R) focused on joint research in solar energy, building energy efficiency, and advanced smart grids.
3. It also includes a deployment component (PACE-D) aimed at scaling up renewable energy adoption and improving energy access.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. PACE has been a foundational element of US-India climate and energy cooperation, operating comprehensively through joint research (PACE-R) and practical deployment (PACE-D) mechanisms.
Consider the following statements about multilateral forums involving Afghanistan and India:
1. Afghanistan was admitted as the 8th member state of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2007.
2. India strongly advocated for Afghanistan's inclusion in SAARC to integrate the country into the South Asian economic framework.
3. Afghanistan is a founding member of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India championed Afghanistan's entry into SAARC to enhance regional connectivity. Statement 3 is incorrect; Afghanistan is not a member of BIMSTEC, which comprises nations geographically adjacent to or dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
Regarding the Nalanda Mahavihara World Heritage Site, consider the following statements:
1. It was completely abandoned following the invasion by the British East India Company.
2. It comprises archaeological remains of a monastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE.
3. Its modern revival through the Nalanda University Act serves as a tool for Asian diplomatic engagement.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; Nalanda was ransacked and destroyed in the late 12th century by Bakhtiyar Khalji, long before the British East India Company arrived in India.
Consider the following statements regarding Regional Connectivity Initiatives:
1. The agreement was implemented on January 1, 2016.
2. The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
3. The India-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade was signed in 1972 and has been renewed several times, enhancing regional connectivity through waterways.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement was indeed signed in 2015 with the goal of facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between the four countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal - thereby enhancing regional connectivity. Statement 3 is correct as the India-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade was initially signed in 1972 and has undergone several renewals, which has significantly improved regional connectivity through waterways. Statement 1 is incorrect because it refers to an unspecified agreement implemented on January 1, 2016; however, the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement was signed in 2015, not implemented in 2016, and other agreements or protocols may have different implementation dates. Understanding these regional connectivity initiatives helps students grasp how countries in South Asia are working together to improve economic and social ties.
Regarding the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), consider the following statements:
1. CDRI is a purely bilateral initiative launched jointly by the Indian Prime Minister and the US President in 2021.
2. The United States is a founding member of the CDRI and actively supports its objective of promoting disaster-resilient infrastructure systems.
3. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides technical assistance and funding to CDRI projects.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The US is a strong backer of CDRI, providing support through USAID. Statement 1 is incorrect; CDRI is a multilateral global partnership launched by India in 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit, not a purely bilateral initiative.
Consider the following statements regarding recent institutional developments in BIMSTEC:
1. The BIMSTEC Charter, which provides a formal legal framework to the grouping, was signed and adopted during the 5th Summit in Colombo in 2022.
2. Security is one of the designated pillars of BIMSTEC cooperation, with India acting as the lead country for the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime sector.
3. To facilitate seamless regional trade, BIMSTEC members have successfully established and implemented a common currency.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The adoption of the Charter in 2022 was a milestone, and India leads the security sector. Statement 3 is incorrect; BIMSTEC does not have a common currency, nor is one currently planned.
Consider the following statements regarding Cumulative impact of anthropogenic stressors on abyssal biodiversity:
1. The BBNJ Treaty, adopted in June 2023, introduces a framework for the establishment of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, in regions beyond national jurisdiction to mitigate cumulative anthropogenic stressors.
2. The 2012 Deep-Sea Mining Code provides for a tiered royalty structure, and the ISA currently applies a fixed 15% ad valorem tax on all minerals extracted from the Area to fund the global biodiversity conservation trust.
3. Benthic plume dispersal, a byproduct of deep-sea mining operations, has the potential to impact filter-feeding organisms across a horizontal distance exceeding 100 kilometers from the point of extraction.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty) provides a legal mechanism for establishing Marine Protected Areas in international waters to address cumulative pressures. Statement 3 is correct because sediment plumes from deep-sea mining can travel vast distances, potentially smothering filter-feeding organisms far beyond the immediate extraction site. Statement 2 is incorrect because the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has not yet finalized or adopted a 'Deep-Sea Mining Code' or a fixed 15% royalty structure; regulations for commercial exploitation are still under intense negotiation.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate Change Mitigation: International Solar Alliance (ISA) Leadership:
1. Under the 2022 India-France Roadmap on Blue Economy, the ISA expanded its scope to include offshore floating solar energy systems, with the first pilot project launched in the Bay of Biscay.
2. The International Solar Alliance Assembly meets biennially in New Delhi, as per the provisions set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate finance and institutional governance.
3. The ISA's 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative was first proposed during the 2017 One Planet Summit in Paris as a mechanism to link the national power grids of France and India via the Middle East.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect: the 2022 India-France Roadmap focuses on ocean conservation and maritime security rather than offshore solar in the Bay of Biscay; the ISA Assembly meets annually, not biennially, and is governed by its own Framework Agreement rather than the 2015 Paris Agreement; and the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative was proposed by India in 2018 to connect global grids, not specifically to link France and India via the Middle East.
Consider the following statements regarding India's involvement with the SCO:
1. India was formally elevated to full member status of the SCO during the Astana Summit in 2017.
2. India is an active participant in the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to enhance intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.
3. India's official justification for joining the SCO was to establish a sovereign military base in Kazakhstan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India joined at the 2017 Astana summit and actively engages with RATS. Statement 3 is incorrect; India joined the SCO to enhance regional connectivity, energy security, and counter-terrorism cooperation, not to build a military base in Kazakhstan.
Consider the following statements regarding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) history:
1. The proposed CEPA framework aimed to expand upon the ISFTA by incorporating provisions for trade in services, investment, and technical cooperation.
2. During the 2005 summit, the two nations signed the CEPA document, but the implementation was delayed due to the subsequent global financial crisis of 2008.
3. The Comprehensive Economic and Technology Partnership Agreement (ETCA) was signed in 2015 as a direct replacement for the CEPA, following the total repeal of the 1998 ISFTA by the Sri Lankan parliament.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as CEPA was designed to broaden the 1998 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) by including services, investment, and technical cooperation. Statement 2 is incorrect because CEPA was never signed; negotiations concluded in 2008 but were stalled due to strong domestic opposition in Sri Lanka regarding fears of Indian economic dominance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) was proposed as a successor framework to CEPA, but it was never signed, and the 1998 ISFTA remains in force.
Consider the following statements regarding HRC resolution adoption process and voting patterns:
1. The Advisory Committee serves as the Council's think tank, and its members are nominated by the Secretary-General to provide expertise on thematic human rights issues.
2. The President of the Human Rights Council is elected from among the member states for a three-year term, and this role involves coordinating the work of the various working groups.
3. The Complaint Procedure allows individuals and organizations to bring cases of human rights violations to the Council, and it focuses on patterns of gross violations that have been verified by the International Court of Justice.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Advisory Committee members are elected by the Council from a list of candidates nominated by Member States, not the Secretary-General. Statement 2 is incorrect as the President of the Human Rights Council is elected for a one-year term, not three years. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Complaint Procedure addresses consistent patterns of gross and reliably attested human rights violations, and it operates independently of the International Court of Justice, which deals with legal disputes between states.
Consider the following statements regarding State-Sponsored Terrorism and International Law:
1. The 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism defines the act of providing funds with the intention that they be used to carry out an attack against civilians as a criminal offense.
2. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, a principle often invoked in the context of state-sponsored proxy warfare.
3. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established by the G7 summit in Paris in 1989 to develop policies to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1999 UN Convention mandates criminalization of funds intended for attacks against civilians or any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to non-combatants. Statement 2 is correct because Article 2(4) forms the cornerstone of the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force, frequently cited by states to hold nations accountable for supporting proxy groups that undermine sovereignty. Statement 3 is correct because the FATF was indeed established by the 1989 G7 summit in Paris, initially to combat money laundering, with its mandate expanded to include terrorist financing following the 9/11 attacks.
Consider the following statements regarding BrahMos Aerospace joint venture and defense technology transfer:
1. In January 2022, the Philippines signed a $374.96 million contract with BrahMos Aerospace for the supply of shore-based anti-ship missile systems.
2. Under the 2010 India-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation agreement, the production of the BrahMos missile airframe was shifted to the HAL facility in Bengaluru to facilitate indigenous technology absorption.
3. The BrahMos-II is a proposed hypersonic cruise missile currently under development, intended to achieve speeds of Mach 7 or higher.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as India and the Philippines signed the $374.96 million deal in January 2022, marking India's first major export of the BrahMos system. Statement 3 is correct because BrahMos-II is a planned hypersonic cruise missile project designed to reach speeds of Mach 7 or higher using scramjet technology. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while India focuses on indigenization, the primary airframe production and integration for BrahMos are handled by BrahMos Aerospace’s dedicated facilities and various public/private sector partners, not specifically under a 2010 agreement shifting production to HAL.
The United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) was a subsidiary body established after...
- World War II
- Vietnam War
- Gulf War
- Korean War
Explanation: The UNCC was established in 1991 to process claims and pay compensation for losses resulting from Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.