UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on BRICS grouping, Rays of Hope project and more (Week 137)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the BRICS grouping, consider the following statements:

1. India will hold the Presidency of BRICS for the year 2027.

2. The group has 11 members.

3. For the BRICS Presidency, India is going to follow the model of its 2023 G20 Presidency and take the meetings and delegations to all states and Union Territories.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— For its year-long BRICS Presidency in 2026, India is going to follow the model of its 2023 G20 Presidency and take the meetings and delegations to all 28 states and nine Union Territories. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 3 is correct.

— India will hold the Presidency of BRICS, which includes 11 member-states — Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran — from January 1, 2026. There are 10 partner countries with India aiming to play a key role in developing the agenda for institutional reforms, climate finance, digital governance and amplifying the voice of the Global South. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The BRICS meetings are likely to cover 60 cities, the sources said, adding that it will also showcase India’s diversity, tourism offerings, culture and heritage.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Which of the following countries’ governments has placed an export ban on paintings from around 1810 that depict key stories from Hinduism?

(a) Portugal

(b) Netherlands

(c) France

(d) United Kingdom

Explanation

— The UK government has placed an export ban on a set of 56 paintings from around 1810 that depict key stories from Hinduism, in an effort to keep the collection in the country.

(Photo: @standardnews)

— The works, valued at about £280,000, around 3.28 crore, show the origins and victories of Devi, or the Divine Mother. Gold and silver paint appear throughout the scenes, which range from worship to battles between gods and demons.

— The almost complete set includes 56 of the original 59 paintings, with cover sheets carrying Sanskrit and Hindi inscriptions describing each scene. The works were produced in the Kangra region of Punjab, but the artist or workshop remains unknown. Officials say the paintings are in excellent condition.

— The narrative shown across the series tells a story of a struggle between good and evil. One scene includes gods Vishnu and Shiva asking for help, a depiction believed to be unique to this set.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

The ‘Deir Al-Balah city’ and ‘Nuseirat camp’ were recently in the news. They are located in:

(a) Syria

(b) Egypt

(c) Gaza

(d) Iran

Explanation

— Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 20 people and wounded several others, local health authorities said, in a further test of a fragile ceasefire between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel.

— Witnesses and medics said the first attack hit a car in the densely populated Rimal neighbourhood, setting it ablaze. It was not immediately clear whether the five dead were passengers of the car or included passersby. Dozens of people rushed to extinguish the fire and rescue the victims.

— Shortly after the attack on the car, the Israeli air force carried out two separate airstrikes on two houses in Deir Al-Balah city and Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least five people and wounding several others.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Which of the following countries is constructing the world’s first mobile, floating artificial island built to survive a nuclear explosion?

(a) China

(b) Russia

(c) United States

(d) France

Explanation

— China is constructing what researchers say will be the world’s first mobile, floating artificial island built to survive a nuclear explosion, according to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

(Photo: X/@peakaustria)

— The 78,000-tonne semi-submersible platform, described by Chinese scientists as a “far-sea floating mobile island”, is designed to support long-term deep-sea research. It is expected to enter service in 2028. The structure will accommodate up to 238 people for about four months without needing supplies, giving it a level of endurance normally seen only in major naval ships.

— The island measures 138 metres long and 85 metres wide, with a twin-hull structure that can operate in rough seas and withstand extremely strong typhoons. Its mobility sets it apart from fixed research bases, allowing it to move at sea while supporting continuous scientific work such as deep-sea monitoring and equipment testing.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to the Rays of Hope project, consider the following statements:

1. It contributes to the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goal 3.

2. It is an initiative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in cooperation with the WHO.

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

— Rays of Hope helps to achieve the 2030 Agenda and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Indicator 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one-third. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Rays of Hope projects establish or expand radiation safety legislation and infrastructure, as well as provide quality control, advice, training, and equipment, all with a focus on sustainability. Rays of Hope incorporates various aspects into a series of interventions that reinforce and complement one another to maximise impact.

— The IAEA has six decades of experience assisting countries in their fight against cancer, and it works in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The IAEA’s assistance has helped several countries build and/or strengthen safe, secure, and effective radiation medicine capabilities (radiotherapy, radiology, and nuclear medicine). However, the IAEA requires additional resources to address the massive gap in equipment and highly qualified and well-trained workers in poor nations.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.iaea.org)

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 132)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 137)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 137)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 137)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 137)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 136)

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