UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on Grindavik, UNICEF and more (Week 104)

QUESTION 1

Consider the following statements:

1. The partnership of India and this country will be strengthened in the field of critical minerals and work will be done to establish resilient supply and value chains.

2. India has recognised this country as the gateway to Antarctica primarily due to its geographic proximity and the presence of key cities like Punta Arenas.

The above mentioned country refers to:

(a) Peru

(b) Brazil

(c) South Africa

(d) Chile

Explanation

— Following a bilateral discussion with visiting Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, India and Chile decided to begin negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership deal.

— The India-Chile collaboration would be strengthened in the area of vital minerals, and efforts will be made to develop resilient supply and value chains.

— Cooperation in agriculture will be implemented to secure food security by complementing each other’s strengths.

— Modi described Chile as a vital partner for India in Latin America, saying, “India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, space, and other areas.”

— PM Modi stated that they also signed a letter of intent because Chile is regarded as the “gateway to Antarctica”. “We welcome the agreement reached today on the Letter of Intent between the two sides to enhance cooperation in this important area,” said Mr. Putin. Chile is regarded as a gateway to Antarctica, owing to its geographical proximity and the existence of prominent cities such as Punta Arenas, which serve as main departure points for expeditions and scientific research missions to the continent.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Which of the following countries have reactivated Cold War bunkers amid rising tensions with Russia?

(a) Germany

(b) France

(c) Poland

(d) Norway

Explanation

— As tensions with Russia rise, Norway is refurbishing two Cold War-era military bunkers, according to the BBC. The Bardufoss Air Station and Olavsvern Naval Base, which were once critical defence locations against Soviet threats, are being revived to improve military readiness.

— At the height of the Cold War, Norway built around 3,000 underground facilities, many of which were later decommissioned. With Russia’s increased military operations in the Arctic and invasion of Ukraine, Norway is prioritising these reinforced facilities.

— Bardufoss Air Station, located north of the Arctic Circle, stored fighter jets in mountain hangars, protecting them from any Soviet bombardment. Opened in 1938, the base has been upgraded to improve the survivability of Norway’s F-35 jets, particularly against drone threats witnessed in Ukraine.

— The Olavsvern naval facility, dug into a mountainside and shielded by 275 meters of granite, functioned as a NATO stronghold during the Cold War. Its underground dock and command centre made it an important location for observing Russian naval activity. Following its decommissioning and controversial sale to private investors in 2013, WilNor Governmental Services repurchased the base in 2020.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

The town of Grindavik was in the news due to a volcanic eruption. The town is located in:

(a) Indonesia

(b) Iceland

(c) Philippines

(d) United States

Explanation

— A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, pouring lava and smoke into the air and forcing people and tourists to evacuate, while air travel continued normally.

— The volcanic eruption began about 9:45 a.m. local time, and the town of Grindavik in Iceland heard emergency sirens as webcams captured molten rock shooting towards the community.

— Iceland is known as the “land of ice and fire” due to its numerous glaciers and volcanoes, and the island nation has had 11 eruptions south of Reykjavik since 2021, as dormant geological systems have been awakened after around 800 years.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

With reference to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), consider the following statements:

1. It was established in 1946 after World War II.

2. Its mandate is to help children and young people whose lives and futures are at risk.

3. In 1953, it became a permanent member of the United Nations system.

4. December 11 marks the UNICEF Foundation Day.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The United Nations General Assembly and Ludwik Rajchman formed UNICEF on December 11, 1946, to address the needs of children in countries impacted by World War II and to provide emergency help to war-stricken children and mothers. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

— UNICEF’s mandate was expanded in 1950 to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries, following an initial focus on food and healthcare in postwar Europe and China.

— It became a permanent member of the United Nations system in 1953, retaining its mission to fight for the rights of children, aid in meeting their basic requirements, and provide them with opportunities to reach their full potential. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was created in 1946, following World War II. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Its mission was to assist children and young people whose lives and futures were in danger, regardless of what role their country had played in the conflict. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Rafah, a city situated in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip. The town shares a border with:

(a) Jordan

(b) Syria

(c) Egypt

(d) Iraq

Explanation

— Israel has issued a massive evacuation order in Rafah and nearby Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the largest since Tel Aviv resumed its offensive against Hamas when the ceasefire accord failed.

— The Israeli military issued an order instructing citizens to leave Rafah and Khan Younis immediately and move to the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, warning that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are “returning to intense operations to dismantle the capabilities of terrorist organisations” in the region, according to BBC.

— Rafah border is the only point not controlled by Israel where civilians can enter and leave Gaza by land. The border connects the Gaza strip and Egypt.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 104)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 103)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 102)

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