UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on ‘Our Living Islands’ policy, Levant and more (Week 88)

(a) European Union

(b) African Union

(c) North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

(d) World Trade Organisation

Explanation

— The European Union has expressed concerns to India over the suspected participation of certain Indian businesses in delivering “high-priority” commodities with potential military uses to Russia in breach of Western sanctions, according to PTI, citing sources familiar with the situation.

— The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, indicated that he visited India in October to seek “systemic solutions” with Indian authorities to halt the “illicit flow” of these key products into Russia.

— While India has yet to remark on the subject, it has stated that it does not recognise unilateral sanctions and only recognises those imposed by the United Nations.

— “I travelled to India in October 2024 for the second time to discuss systemic solutions with Indian authorities to stop the illicit flow of common high-priority items to Russia,” O’Sullivan said in response to a query.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

The Levant is a phrase used to describe:

(a) geographical subregion that borders Greece and Turkey

(b) geographical subregion that borders the Northern Mediterranean Sea and Turkey

(c) geographical subregion that borders the Southern Black Sea and Turkey

(d) geographical subregion that borders the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to West Asia.

Explanation

— The collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the region, posing a strategic threat to Iran’s regional dominance and weakening Tehran’s long-standing aim to establish a “Shiite crescent” across the Middle East.

— Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, Damascus has been Tehran’s primary strategic partner, with Syria acting as a vital conduit for Iranian influence to spread throughout the Levant. The cooperation eased Iranian access to Lebanon and allowed Tehran to provide financial and military support to Hezbollah, a Shiite group employed by the Iranian leadership to further its regional goals.

— The name “Levant” refers to the historical and geographical subregion that borders the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to the west and central West Asia, also known as the Middle East in politics.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Which of the following countries has recently implemented a four-day workweek to tackle declining fertility rates?

(a) Japan

(b) France

(c) Russia

(d) China

Explanation

— The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced intentions to implement a four-day workweek for its employees, in an effort to address Japan’s record-low birth rates and assist young families. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike introduced the project in a recent policy speech. It is set to begin in April.

— “Flexibility in work styles is crucial,” Koike remarked, according to NBC News. “This ensures that no one has to abandon their career due to life events such as childbirth or childcare.”

— The policy allows employees to take three days off per week. Furthermore, parents of primary school children will be able to reduce their working hours in exchange for a little income reduction.

— According to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Japan’s fertility rate fell to 1.2 children per woman last year, considerably below the 2.1 required for population stability. Despite many government attempts to encourage young couples to have children, the birth rate has continued to fall, with only 727,277 births recorded nationally last year.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Consider the following pairs with reference to the places and regions associated:

1. Hama – Turkey

2. Kwango Province – Nigeria

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Which of the following countries has a ‘Our Living Islands’ policy which offers an exciting opportunity for residents with appropriate immigration permissions to move to its scenic offshore communities?

(a) Denmark

(b) Spain

(c) Ireland

(d) Mexico

Explanation

— Ireland is providing an intriguing chance for residents with the necessary immigration documents to relocate to its picturesque offshore villages.

— As part of the ‘Our Living Islands’ initiative, the government is offering major economic incentives to attract people to move to the country’s islands. According to Euro News, this program intends to revitalise Ireland’s offshore communities and secure their long-term survival.

— According to Ireland’s official government website, the goal is to create dynamic, thriving communities on these islands while preserving their distinct culture, heritage, and natural beauty. The application process for this program will begin on July 1.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 88)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 88)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 88)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 88)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 88)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 87)

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