UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for August 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨 QUESTION 1 With reference to the composition of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consider the following statements: 1. The non-permanent members are elected for five-year terms. 2. Each non-permanent member has the power to veto a vote. 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 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, statement 1 is 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 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 2 Which of the following are part of Panchsheel, or the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence? 1. Mutual non-aggression 2. Peaceful co-existence 3. Mutual non-interference 4. Disarmament 5. Democracy promotion 6. Freedom of navigation on high seas 7. Equality and mutual benefit Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 7 Explanation — As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met China’s President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, both leaders emphasised upon the need to look beyond border disputes and collaborate in diverse areas. — After India’s independence in 1947 and the creation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the two countries tried to frame terms of engagement. One of the sticking issues was the fate of Tibet. — After many rounds of negotiations, on April 29, 1954, Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India was signed, which included the delineation of Panchsheel, or the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. — The principles are: 1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, 2. Mutual non-aggression, 3. Mutual non-interference, 4. Equality and mutual benefit, and 5. Peaceful co-existence.” — Disarmament, Democracy promotion and Freedom of navigation on high seas are not part of panchsheel principles. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 3 The Tianjin declaration is related to: (a) BRICS (b) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (c) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (d) NATO Explanation — Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) issued a joint-declaration, which, among other things, strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. — “The Member States strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations… Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam… They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” the Tianjin declaration said. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. QUESTION 4 The countries bordering the Red Sea are: 1. Saudi Arabia 2. Djibouti 3. Egypt 4. Oman Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Undersea cable damage in the Red Sea has slowed internet access across several countries in Asia and the Middle East, including India and Pakistan, according to reports cited by the Associated Press (AP). — The western boundary of the Red Sea is Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, while the eastern border is Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Furthermore, Israel and Jordan share coasts along the Gulf of Aqaba, a northern continuation of the Red Sea. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 5 The Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is a financial assistance provided by: (a) World Bank (b) World Trade Organisation (c) International Monetary Fund (d) United Nations Explanation — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) decided to allow for “an immediate disbursement” of $1 billion (around Rs 8,500 crore) to Pakistan. This disbursal was done as part of IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to Pakistan. — The Extended Fund Facility (EFF) provides financial support to countries experiencing substantial medium-term balance of payments challenges as a result of structural flaws that take time to correct. — To assist nations in implementing medium-term structural changes, the EFF provides extended longer program engagement and longer repayment periods. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: www.imf.org) Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 124) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 126) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 126) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 126) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 126) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 125) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us onInstagramand X.
