UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on composition of UNSC, International Development Association and more (Week 108)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the composition of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consider the following statements:

1. The UNSC is composed of 15 members: five non-permanent members and 10 permanent members.

2. The non-permanent members are elected for three-year terms.

3. Each Permanent member has the power to veto a vote.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The UNSC consists of 15 members: five permanent members (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United States, and the United Kingdom) and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly. Non-permanent members are elected for two-year periods, therefore, the General Assembly elects five of them each year out of a total of ten. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are not correct.

— These ten seats are divided throughout the world’s regions, with five for African and Asian countries, one for Eastern European countries, two for Latin American and Caribbean countries, and two for Western European and other countries.

— Three of the five seats are for Africa, while the other two are for Asia. Additionally, there is an informal agreement between the two groupings to reserve one seat for an Arab country. Every two years, the Africa and Asia Pacific groups alternate in nominating an Arab candidate.

— Each P5 member can veto a vote. The drafters of the UN Charter decided that if any of the five permanent members voted against the resolution in the 15-member UN Security Council, it would fail. A member can choose to abstain, allowing the resolution to be adopted if it receives the required nine votes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

To read more: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Understanding UNSC: Composition, need for reform, and India’s claim for permanent membership

QUESTION 2

Which of the following countries signed a deal with Ukraine to get access to its minerals and energy reserves?

(a) China

(b) India

(c) France

(d) United States

Explanation

— After months of heated negotiations, the US and Ukraine reached an agreement giving the US priority access to Ukraine’s minerals and energy reserves.

— The deal would establish the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which the US Treasury Department describes as a “recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defence of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion”.

— The deal would establish the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which the US Treasury Department describes as a “recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defence of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion”.

— Ukraine is home to two types of minerals that are critical in the creation of high-tech items to enable the green energy transition, as well as in sophisticated weapons and consumer goods. These minerals are uncommon and difficult to extract, making them exceedingly precious. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that the energy transition minerals market would be worth $320 billion in 2022, more than double its value five years ago.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

International Development Association (IDA), which offers low- or no-interest loans to the world’s poorest countries, is a part of:

(a) World Bank

(b) International Monetary Fund

(c) Asian Development Bank

(d) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency

Explanation

— President Donald Trump has requested that the US Congress approve a $3.2 billion contribution to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), which provides low- or no-interest loans to the world’s poorest countries.

— According to Reuters, the money will be distributed over three years. Global finance experts greeted the request as a “pleasant surprise,” especially given concerns that Trump might not send any financing at all.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Consider the following statement:

Anthony Albanese joined the Labor Party in his 20s and was elected to Parliament in 1996. He secured a second term as prime minister, leading the center-left Labor Party to an outright majority.

Anthony Albanese has been elected as the Prime Minister of:

(a) United Kingdom

(b) Canada

(c) Australia

(d) Italy

Explanation

— On May 3, Anthony Albanese was re-elected as Australia’s prime minister, leading the centre-left Labour Party to an overwhelming majority. In his victory address, Albanese promised that his party will not take the trust placed in them “for granted.” He went on: “Because together we are turning the corner…with no one held back and no one left behind.”

— Albanese joined the Labour Party in his twenties and was elected to parliament in 1996. He is one of Australia’s longest-serving MPs, having weathered internal party wars and factional issues. He worked in prominent positions for Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard until becoming party leader in 2019.

— Albanese rose to power in 2022 on promises to address climate change, rebuild global alliances, and provide economic relief in the aftermath of Covid. His first efforts included enacting more aggressive climate targets and mending tense relations with Beijing and Paris—two significant diplomatic victories.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiercs)’, often in the news, is

(a) a division of World Health Organisation

(b) a non-governmental international organisation

(c) an inter-government agency sponsored by European Union

(d) a specialized agency of the United Nations

Explanation

— Bomb assaults in South Sudan’s Fangak County killed at least seven people and injured 20 others, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), better known as Doctors Without Borders.

— The blasts devastated the area’s lone hospital and pharmacy, leaving over 110,000 people with limited access to medical care.

— The MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation that provides medical care to people affected by conflict, disasters, and epidemics.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 108)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 108)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 108)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 108)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 108)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 107)

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