Consider the following statements: Statement-I. The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently. Statement-II. The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following statements: Statement-I. Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the ‘Trade and Technology Council’. Statement-II. The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following statements: Statement-I. Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II. The 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

International relations & current affairs

Prelims · International relations & current affairs · 73 questions

International organisations & groupings

Every UPSC Prelims question on this topic, 2016–2026, newest first. Tap an option to check yourself; the answer and explanation open below it.

Asked in 11 of 11 years · most in 2016 (10)

UPSC syllabus: “Current events of national and international importance.” See the full syllabus →

Showing 1–30 of 73, newest first.

Prelims 2026 · Q38

Easy Provisional key

At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”.

Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

FAO's Blue Transformation Roadmap is built around the 'four betters': better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. Option (b) is the only one that lists all four correctly.

✗ (a) 'Better ocean' is not one of the four betters; the fourth is a better life.
✓ (b) Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life are the four betters that FAO links to the Blue Transformation Roadmap.
✗ (c) 'Better coral reefs' replaces better production, which is the first of the four betters.
✗ (d) Better estuaries and better mangrove vegetation are not among the four betters, which are about production, nutrition, environment and life.

Remember · FAO's Blue Transformation Roadmap: the four betters are better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.

Sources

FAO: The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 ↗ “improve the contribution of aquatic foods to healthy diets and to the four betters (better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life) through the Blue Transformation Roadmap.”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2026 · Q69

Hard Provisional key

Consider the following statements about platforms for multilateral co-operation:

1.The ‘Colombo Process’ is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus.
2.The ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’ is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility.
3.The ‘Global Forum for Migration and Development’, created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

The Colombo Process is a regional consultative process that gives a non-binding, informal setting, so it takes no binding decisions. The Abu Dhabi Dialogue is a voluntary, non-binding consultative process between Asian labour-origin and destination countries. The Global Forum on Migration and Development grew out of Kofi Annan's 2006 proposal for a government-led forum that would produce no negotiated outcomes.

✗ 1. The Colombo Process describes itself as offering a non-binding and informal environment for dialogue on labour migration, so its members do not take binding decisions.
✓ 2. The Abu Dhabi Dialogue, set up in 2008, is described as a voluntary and non-binding inter-government consultative process between Asian countries of labour origin and destination.
✓ 3. Then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan proposed the forum in June 2006 as a government-led consultative body that would not produce negotiated outcomes or recommendations, so its results are non-binding.

Remember · Colombo Process: non-binding regional consultative process (Asian labour-sending states). Abu Dhabi Dialogue: voluntary, non-binding, links Asian labour-origin and destination countries. GFMD: Kofi Annan's 2006 idea, state-led, non-binding.

Sources

Colombo Process Secretariat, CP Meetings ↗ · reference work “The Colombo Process, following the principles of a Regional Consultative Process, provides Member States and organizations with a non-binding and informal environment to engage in dialogues and cooperation on issues related to labour migration that are of common interest and concern.”
Abu Dhabi Dialogue, About Abu Dhabi Dialogue (origin and membership) ↗ · reference work “The Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) was established in 2008 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Asian countries of labour origin and destination. … The Abu Dhabi Dialogue is a voluntary and non-binding inter-government consultative process, engaging twelve Member States of the Colombo Process (CP)”
Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), The GFMD Process (Internet Archive copy of gfmd.org) ↗ · reference work “the GFMD is a voluntary, informal, non-binding and government-led process open to all States Members and Observers of the United Nations”
UN News, Annan proposes global forum examining link between migration and development (6 June 2006) ↗ “Mr. Annan stressed that his proposal for a government-led consultative forum on migration and development would not produce negotiated outcomes or recommendations,”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2026 · Q70

Medium Provisional key

Consider the following UN organisations/ agencies:

1.World Food Programme
2.United Nations Children’s Fund
3.United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
4.International Labour Organisation

How many of the above has/have been awarded the Nobel Prize twice?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) 1

Only the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has won the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981. The other three UN bodies each won it once: the ILO in 1969, UNICEF in 1965 and the World Food Programme in 2020.

✗ 1. The World Food Programme received the Nobel Peace Prize once, in 2020, for its work against hunger and for peace in conflict-affected areas.
✗ 2. UNICEF won the Peace Prize once, in 1965.
✓ 3. UNHCR was honoured in 1954 and again in 1981. Apart from the Red Cross (three times), no other organisation has won the Peace Prize more than once.
✗ 4. The International Labour Organization won the Peace Prize once, in 1969, for creating international legislation on working conditions.

Remember · UNHCR: Nobel Peace Prize twice (1954, 1981). ILO 1969, UNICEF 1965, WFP 2020 each won once. The International Committee of the Red Cross has won three times.

Sources

NobelPrize.org, Nobel Prize awarded organisations ↗ “UNHCR, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981, and the work of Comité international de la Croix Rouge (International Committee of the Red Cross) (ICRC) has been honoured three times”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2026 · Q71

Medium Provisional key

Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

	List I (UN Peacekeeping Operation)	List II (Period of Operation)
A.	UNMIL	1. 2007 – 2010
B.	MINURCAT	2. 2002 – 2005
C.	MINUSTAH	3. 2003 – 2018
D.	UNMISET	4. 2004 – 2017

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

UNMIL in Liberia ran from 2003 to 2018 and MINUSTAH in Haiti from 2004 to 2017. MINURCAT in the Central African Republic and Chad ran from 2007 to 2010, and UNMISET in East Timor from 2002 to 2005. That gives A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2.

✓ A UNMIL (Liberia) was set up in 2003 and completed its mandate on 30 March 2018, so it pairs with 2003–2018 (3).
✓ B MINURCAT (Central African Republic and Chad) began under Security Council Resolution 1778 of 2007 and its mandate ended on 31 December 2010, so it pairs with 2007–2010 (1).
✓ C MINUSTAH (Haiti) was established on 1 June 2004 and completed its mission on 15 October 2017, so it pairs with 2004–2017 (4).
✓ D UNMISET (East Timor) ran from May 2002 to May 2005, so it pairs with 2002–2005 (2).

Remember · Liberia UNMIL 2003–18; Haiti MINUSTAH 2004–17; Chad and CAR MINURCAT 2007–10; East Timor UNMISET 2002–05. Fixing two pairs usually settles the code.

Sources

United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) website ↗ · reference work “The United Nations Mission in Liberia was established in October 2003 to support for the implementation of a ceasefire agreement and peace process, and to assist with the maintenance and restoration of law and order throughout Liberia. The mission successfully completed its mandate on 30 March 2018.”
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) website ↗ · reference work “MINUSTAH was established on 1 June 2004 by Security Council Resolution 1542 to assist with the restoration and maintenance of the rule of law, protect civilians and support transition to a secure and stable environment.”
United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) website ↗ · reference work “The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) mandate ended on 31 December 2010 following UN Security Council Resolution 1923, with Chad assuming responsibility for civilian protection and UN agencies continuing peacebuilding efforts.”
UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, Timeline of UN missions in Timor-Leste ↗ · reference work “UNMISET United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor May 2002–May 2005 UN Security Council establishes the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor to support the newly independent nation.”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2026 · Q72

Medium Provisional key

Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

	List I (BIMSTEC Centre / Establishment)	List II (Location)
A.	BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory	1. NOIDA
B.	BIMSTEC Energy Centre	2. Bengaluru
C.	BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate	3. Colombo
D.	BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility	4. Thimphu

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

The BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory is to be in Thimphu, the Energy Centre in Bengaluru, the Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida and the Technology Transfer Facility in Colombo. That gives A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3.

✓ A The Cultural Industries Observatory is to be established in Thimphu, Bhutan (4).
✓ B The Energy Centre is housed at the Central Power Research Institute, Bengaluru (2).
✓ C The Centre for Weather and Climate is located at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Noida (1).
✓ D The Technology Transfer Facility is to be established in Colombo, Sri Lanka (3).

Remember · BIMSTEC centres: Energy (Bengaluru), Weather and Climate (Noida), Cultural Industries Observatory (Thimphu), Technology Transfer Facility (Colombo).

Sources

BIMSTEC Secretariat, BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate ↗ · reference work “The Memorandum of Association (MoA) on the establishment of the BIMSTEC Centre on Weather and Climate (BCWC) was signed on 04 March 2014 during the Third BIMSTEC Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, and the Centre is located in the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.”
BIMSTEC Secretariat, BIMSTEC Energy Centre ↗ · reference work “The Centre is to be housed in the premises of the Central Power Research Institute in Bengaluru, India”
BIMSTEC Secretariat, BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory ↗ · reference work “BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory To be established in Thimphu, Bhutan The First BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Culture was held in Paro, Bhutan on 23-25 May 2006.”
BIMSTEC Secretariat, BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility ↗ · reference work “BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility To be established in Colombo, Sri Lanka The Memorandum of Association (MoA) on the Establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility was signed on 30 March 2022 during the Fifth BIMSTEC Summit.”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2026 · Q75

Easy Provisional key

Which of the following countries are members of the European Union?

1.Belarus
2.Poland
3.Germany
4.Switzerland

Select the answer using the code given below:

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) 2 and 3

Poland (a member since 2004) and Germany (one of the six founding members) are EU members. Belarus and Switzerland are European countries outside the EU; Switzerland deals with the EU through a free trade agreement and bilateral agreements.

✗ 1. Belarus is not an EU member: it is not among the 27 EU countries or the countries that joined in any enlargement.
✓ 2. Poland joined the European Union in the fifth enlargement of 2004.
✓ 3. Germany is one of the six founding countries of the European Union (with Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands).
✗ 4. Switzerland is not an EU member; its relations with the EU are governed by a free trade agreement and a series of bilateral agreements.

Remember · EU members here: Germany (one of the six founders) and Poland (2004). Switzerland is outside the EU (bilateral agreements); Belarus is not a member either.

Sources

European Union, Facts and figures on the European Union: founding members and current Member States ↗ “Founded : in 1951 after the Second World War by six countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands). Current Member States : 27 countries .”
European Union, EU enlargement: history of enlargement (2004) ↗ “Fifth enlargement Ten new countries join the EU: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.”
European Commission, EU trade relations with Switzerland ↗ “Switzerland's economic and trade relations with the EU are mainly governed through a free trade agreement and through a series of bilateral agreements”

Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2025 · Q21

Medium

Consider the following countries:

I.Austria
II.Bulgaria
III.Croatia
IV.Serbia
V.Sweden
VI.North Macedonia

How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Only four

Bulgaria (2004), Croatia (2009), North Macedonia (2020) and Sweden (2024) are NATO members. Austria and Serbia are only NATO partners, not Allies, and both stress neutrality.

✗ I Austria is not on NATO's list of 32 Allies. The Austrian Foreign Ministry calls Austria a NATO partner, a member of the Partnership for Peace since 1995, and stresses its commitment to neutrality.
✓ II Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004, as NATO's member list shows.
✓ III Croatia became a member in 2009, as NATO's member list shows.
✗ IV Serbia is a Partnership for Peace partner since 2006 but does not seek membership; NATO says it respects Serbia's military neutrality.
✓ V Sweden joined NATO in 2024, as NATO's member list shows; NATO then had 32 members.
✓ VI North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020, as NATO's member list shows.

Remember · NATO has 32 Allies: Finland 2023 and Sweden 2024 the newest; North Macedonia 2020; Croatia 2009; Bulgaria 2004. Austria and Serbia are partners (Partnership for Peace), not members.

Sources

NATO: Member countries ↗ “Albania 2009 Belgium 1949 Bulgaria 2004 Canada 1949 Croatia 2009 Czechia 1999 Denmark 1949 Estonia 2004 Finland 2023 France 1949 Germany 1955 … North Macedonia 2020 Norway 1949 Poland 1999 Portugal 1949 Romania 2004 Slovakia 2004 Slovenia 2004 Spain 1982 Sweden 2024”
NATO: Relations with Serbia ↗ “NATO fully respects Serbia’s policy of military neutrality. Cooperation and dialogue have developed steadily since 2006, when the country joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme”
Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (foreign government site): Security policy, Austria as a NATO partner ↗ · reference work “The Republic of Austria has been a member of the NATO Partnership for Peace ( PfP ) since 1995 … chief among them a clear commitment to Austrian neutrality.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2025 · Q35

Easy

Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific at COP28 in Dubai on 4 December 2023. It aims to attract at least $2 billion into investment programmes that include nature-based solutions, especially from capital markets and private capital.

✓ (a) ADB's own news release calls it 'ADB's Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific' and says ADB launched it at COP28.
✗ (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a separate regional lender and is not the launcher of this hub, though it too works in the Asia-Pacific.
✗ (d) The IBRD (World Bank) did not launch this hub; the initiative belongs to ADB, as its own release says.

Remember · Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific: launched by ADB at COP28 (Dubai, 4 December 2023), aiming to draw at least $2 billion into nature-based solutions.

Sources

ADB news release: ADB and Partners Launch Nature Financing Initiative for Asia and the Pacific (4 December 2023) ↗ · reference work “The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today launched a Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific at COP28 which aims to attract at least $2 billion into investment programs that incorporate nature-based solutions”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2025 · Q92

Medium

Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:

I.It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.
II.It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.
III.Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.
IV.In BIMSTEC, the subsector of 'tourism' is being led by India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) I only

Only Statement I is correct: BIMSTEC has had seven members since Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004. It began with the Bangkok Declaration of 1997, not a Dhaka Declaration; Nepal joined only in 2004, so it is not a founder; and the tourism sub-sector is led by Nepal, not India.

✓ I BIMSTEC's own history lists seven Member States: Myanmar joined in December 1997 and Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004, so the count was seven in January 2025 too.
✗ II BIMSTEC's own history places its founding on 6 June 1997, with the Bangkok Declaration, not on a Dhaka Declaration of 1999.
✗ III The organisation began as BIST-EC with Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand; Nepal joined only in 2004, so it is not a founding member.
✗ IV BIMSTEC's website records Nepal as the Lead Country for the tourism sub-sector, so India does not lead it.

Remember · BIMSTEC: founded by the Bangkok Declaration (6 June 1997) as BIST-EC with four states; seven members since 2004; Nepal leads tourism.

Sources

History, BIMSTEC Secretariat (bimstec.org) ↗ · reference work “was established on 06 June 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation) … comprises seven Member States with the admission of Myanmar on 22 December 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004”
Tourism sub-sector, BIMSTEC Secretariat (bimstec.org) ↗ · reference work “The Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Working Group on Tourism was held on 17–18 January 2024 in Kathmandu, hosted by Nepal as the Lead Country.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2025 · Q95

Medium

Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:

I.Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
II.Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) I only

The Paris AI Action Summit (10-11 February 2025) was hosted by France and co-chaired by India, and it followed the summits at Bletchley Park (UK) and Seoul (Republic of Korea). It ended with a leaders' statement on inclusive and sustainable AI, but the United States and the United Kingdom are not among its signatories.

✓ I France hosted the summit with India as co-chair. The French Presidency describes it as building on the momentum of the two earlier summits, organised by the UK (Bletchley Park) and the Republic of Korea (Seoul).
✗ II The Statement's official list of signatory countries includes India, China and France, and runs from Ukraine straight to Uruguay: neither the United States nor the United Kingdom appears on it.

Remember · Paris AI Action Summit, 10-11 February 2025: France host, India co-chair, after Bletchley Park (2023) and Seoul (2024). The US and UK did not sign its statement.

Sources

Presidency of the French Republic (Élysée): AI Action Summit, presentation ↗ · reference work “by offering to host the AI Action Summit in Paris on 10th and 11th February 2025. India co-chaired this AI Action Summit.”
Élysée: Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet (11 February 2025) ↗ · reference work “We commend the role of the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit and Seoul Summits that have been essential in progressing international cooperation on AI safety and we note the voluntary commitments launched there. … Sweden Switzerland Thailand Ukraine Uruguay Zimbabwe African Union Commission European Union”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2025 · Q96

Medium

Consider the following pairs:

I.International Year of the Woman Farmer: 2026
II.International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism: 2027
III.International Year of Peace and Trust: 2025
IV.International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence: 2029

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) All the four

The UN General Assembly has proclaimed all four of these observances for the years shown. Each pair matches the year set by the Assembly, so all four are correctly matched.

✓ I The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer; the resolution invites FAO to help carry it out together with the other Rome-based UN agencies.
✓ II The General Assembly adopted a resolution on 26 February 2024 declaring 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism, to be facilitated by UN Tourism.
✓ III The General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, calling for conflicts to be resolved through inclusive dialogue and negotiation.
✓ IV 2029 is the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence, timed for the safe flyby of asteroid 99942 Apophis on 13 April 2029.

Remember · UN International Years: 2025 Peace and Trust; 2026 Woman Farmer; 2027 Sustainable and Resilient Tourism; 2029 Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence (Apophis flyby, 13 April 2029).

Sources

FAO: International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026 ↗ “The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026).”
FAO Mountain Partnership: UN General Assembly declares 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism ↗ “The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 26 February 2024 to declare 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.”
UNRIC (United Nations): 2025, International Year of Glaciers, Peace, Quantum science and Cooperatives ↗ · reference work “The General Assembly has adopted a resolution to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust”
ESA: ESA endorses Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence ↗ “The European Space Agency (ESA) has endorsed the United Nations' (UN) designation of 2029 as the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2025 · Q97

Medium

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

I.16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan.
II.Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.
III.The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) I and II

The 16th BRICS Summit was held in Kazan on 22-24 October 2024 under Russia's chairmanship, and Indonesia took up full membership from 1 January 2025. Statement III changes one word of the theme, which was 'Strengthening Multilateralism', not 'Multiculturalism', for Just Global Development and Security.

✓ I Russia chaired BRICS in 2024 and hosted the 16th Summit in Kazan on 22-24 October 2024.
✓ II Indonesia became a full BRICS member with effect from 1 January 2025, a step Russia publicly welcomed.
✗ III The Kazan Summit's theme was 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security'. 'Multiculturalism' is a substituted word.

Remember · 16th BRICS Summit: Kazan, Russia, 22-24 October 2024, theme 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security'. Indonesia became a full member on 1 January 2025.

Sources

President of Russia (kremlin.ru): The 16th BRICS Summit opened in Kazan (22 October 2024) ↗ · reference work “The 16th BRICS Summit is taking place in Kazan on October 22–24 under the Russian Chairmanship themed Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.”
President of Russia (kremlin.ru): Media statements following Russian-Indonesian talks (19 June 2025) ↗ · reference work “Russia played a significant role in facilitating Indonesia’s accession to BRICS as a full member. We welcome Indonesia’s assumption of membership rights effective January 1.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2024 · Q24

Medium

Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:

1.It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
2.World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
3.The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) 2 only

The World Toilet Organization is a Singapore-based non-profit founded by Jack Sim on 19 November 2001, not a UN body. It started World Toilet Day, the World Toilet Summit and the World Toilet College, and it works by advocacy, training and local sanitation markets rather than by handing out grants to countries.

✗ 1. WTO describes itself as a global non-profit registered in Singapore. The UN adopted its 19 November day as UN World Toilet Day in 2013 through a resolution Singapore sponsored, but that did not make WTO a UN agency.
✓ 2. WTO launched World Toilet Day and the World Toilet Summit in 2001 and the World Toilet College in 2005, all to push sanitation up the global agenda.
✗ 3. Its work is lobbying, education and training, and helping local sanitation businesses (for example through SaniShop); it is not a funding agency that gives grants to poorer countries.

Remember · World Toilet Organization: Singapore non-profit, founded 19 Nov 2001 by Jack Sim. Started World Toilet Day (UN-recognised 2013), World Toilet Summit (2001), World Toilet College (2005).

Sources

United Nations (DESA / UN-Water), World Toilet Day 2015 concept note: background ↗ “The 2015 World Toilet Day (WTD) at the United Nations (UN) is an initiative of the Singapore Government and a Singapore NGO, the World Toilet Organisation.”
United Nations, World Toilet Day: Background ↗ “World Toilet Day is coordinated by UN-Water, the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism on water and sanitation.”
World Toilet Organization: About Us (history) ↗ · reference work “WTO established World Toilet Day and the World Toilet Summit in 2001; this was followed by the World Toilet College in 2005. … World Toilet Organization (WTO) is a global non-profit committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide. WTO empowers individuals through education, training and building local marketplace opportunities”
World Toilet Organization: Our Movement ↗ · reference work “19 November was officially recognised as UN World Toilet Day on July 24, 2013, the result of our relentless commitment to raising awareness on the sanitation crisis and a resolution sponsored by the Singapore government on our behalf.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2024, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2024 · Q26

Medium

Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers"?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) It is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience.

100 Million Farmers is a World Economic Forum platform, launched in 2021, that brings companies, governments, farmer groups and financiers together to shift food and water systems to net-zero, nature-positive farming by 2030 while making farmers more resilient. The name refers to its goal of reaching 100 million farmers.

✓ (a) The WEF describes it as a multi-stakeholder platform for net-zero, nature-positive food systems by 2030 that backs local solutions, farmer incentives and resilience, including through regenerative and climate-smart practices.
✗ (b) An international network devoted to organic animal husbandry is a different body; 100 Million Farmers deals with climate and nature outcomes across farming, not organic livestock specifically.
✗ (d) Organising farmers into producer organisations for market access is a common policy tool, but it is not the purpose of this WEF climate-and-nature platform.

Remember · 100 Million Farmers = World Economic Forum platform (2021) for net-zero, nature-positive food and water systems and farmer resilience by 2030.

Sources

World Economic Forum: 100 Million Farmers, Breakthrough Models for Financing a Sustainability Transition (Insight Report, January 2024) ↗ · reference work “This implementation is part of the 100 Million Farmers platform, which accelerates sustainable agri-food practices and supports private and public sector leaders in collective action efforts that position food and farmers as central pillars of the global climate and nature agenda.”
Sustainability Magazine: 100 Million Farmers, the move to net-zero (2 May 2021) ↗ · reference work “The World Economic Forum has announced 100 Million Farmers, a platform moving towards “ Net-zero and nature-positive food systems by 2030 , ” which encourages “local solutions” as well as empowering farmers.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2024, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2024 · Q59

Medium

Consider the following statements:

1.India is a member of the International Grains Council.
2.A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) 1 only

Only the first statement holds: India is one of the countries that make up the International Grains Council (IGC). The second fails, because the IGC is a forum for co-operation, information-sharing and market transparency, and belonging to it is not a condition for exporting or importing rice or wheat.

✓ 1. The IGC lists India among the parties to the Grains Trade Convention, 1995, which make up its membership. India was moved in 2003 from the list of importing members to the list of exporters.
✗ 2. The IGC seeks to further co-operation in grains trade and improve market transparency through information-sharing and analysis. It does not license trade, so non-members can still export or import grains.

Remember · India is an IGC member (Grains Trade Convention, 1995); the IGC promotes grain market transparency and does not control who may trade.

Sources

International Grains Council: About Us ↗ “Membership of the IGC consists of all the parties to the Grains Trade Convention, 1995 (GTC): Algeria Argentina Australia Canada Côte d'Ivoire Cuba European Union India Iran (Islamic Rep.) … These objectives are sought by improving market transparency through information-sharing, analysis and consultation on market and policy developments.”
PIB (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution), 17 July 2003: India rated as foodgrains exporter by IGC ↗ “The International Grains Council (IGC) has included India in the list of exporting countries from the list of its importing members.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2024, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2024 · Q87

Medium

Consider the following pairs:

	Country	Reason for being in the news
1.	Argentina	Worst economic crisis
2.	Sudan	War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces
3.	Turkey	Rescinded its membership of NATO

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Only two pairs

Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. Argentina was in a deep economic crisis in 2023-24, and Sudan has been at war since April 2023 between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Turkey did not leave NATO: it has been a member since 1952 and is on NATO's list of 32 members in 2024.

✓ 1. Argentina's economy was in deep crisis around 2023-24. The IMF describes elevated and rising inflation, depleted reserves and high poverty as the inheritance of the new government, and an economy pushed to the brink of a full-blown balance of payments crisis.
✓ 2. Since 15 April 2023 the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a conflict that has displaced millions.
✗ 3. Turkey (Türkiye) joined NATO on 18 February 1952 and remained a member. NATO's page of member countries, updated 11 March 2024, lists Türkiye among its 32 members.

Remember · Sudan: army (SAF) versus paramilitary RSF since April 2023. Argentina: deep economic crisis in 2023-24. Turkey stayed in NATO, a member since 1952.

Sources

IMF Country Report No. 24/37, Argentina (2024) ↗ “Inconsistent policies and mismanagement of the drought pushed the Argentine economy to the brink of a full-blown balance of payments crisis.”
Sudan emergency, UNHCR ↗ · reference work “Deadly armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and the resumption of inter-communal violence in the Darfur region has forced millions of people from their homes.”
NATO member countries (updated 11 March 2024), nato.int ↗ “Three years after the signing of the Washington Treaty, on 18 February 1952, Greece and Türkiye joined NATO.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2024, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2024 · Q96

Medium

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
Statement-II: The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is correct: the European Parliament approved the Net-Zero Industry Act on 25 April 2024. Statement-II is wrong on two counts. The EU's goal is net-zero emissions by 2050, not 2040, and the Act aims for the EU to produce about 40% of its own annual needs for net-zero technologies by 2030, not all of them.

✓ Statement-I The European Parliament adopted the Act on 25 April 2024 by 361 votes to 121, with 45 abstentions. At that stage the Council still had to adopt it formally for it to become law.
✗ Statement-II The EU's climate target is a 55% cut in net emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The Act sets a target of 40% of annual deployment needs for net-zero technologies to be produced in Europe by 2030. It does not aim at making all clean technology in the EU.

Remember · EU Net-Zero Industry Act (Parliament vote 25 April 2024): target 40% of annual deployment needs of net-zero technologies made in the EU by 2030; EU climate neutrality target is 2050.

Sources

MEPs adopt plans to boost Europe's Net-Zero technology production (European Parliament press release, 25 April 2024) ↗ “On Thursday, Parliament approved the Net-Zero industry Act to bolster EU production in technologies needed for decarbonisation. … sets a target for Europe to produce 40% of its annual deployment needs in net-zero technologies by 2030”
Net Zero Industry Act: boosting clean technologies in Europe (European Parliament) ↗ “In 2030 net greenhouse gas emissions must be down by 55 percent as compared to 1990 levels, while by 2050, net emissions must come down to zero.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2024, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2023 · Q30

Hard

Consider the following infrastructure sectors:

1.Affordable housing
2.Mass rapid transport
3.Health care
4.Renewable energy

On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Only three

UNOPS ran the S3i initiative to invest directly in infrastructure in developing countries, and named three areas: affordable housing, renewable energy and health. Mass rapid transport was not one of them.

✓ 1. Affordable housing was a core S3i area. The independent review of S3i lists social-housing loans for projects in Kenya, Ghana, India and Antigua and Barbuda.
✗ 2. Mass rapid transport was not among S3i's declared investment areas.
✓ 3. Health was one of the three areas UNOPS itself named for S3i, alongside affordable housing and renewable energy.
✓ 4. Renewable energy was the third area. S3i's first investment, in August 2018, went to a wind project in Mexico.

Remember · UNOPS S3i invested in affordable housing, renewable energy and health infrastructure. Mass rapid transport was not among its areas.

Sources

UNOPS, Statement to the first regular session of the Executive Board, 2022 ↗ · reference work “critical national infrastructure needs, such as affordable housing, renewable energy and health. This is represented by our pilot Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative.”
UNOPS Executive Board: Executive Summary, Third-party review of S3i oversight mechanisms (2022) ↗ · reference work “This included USD 15 million in total for social housing projects in Kenya, Ghana, India, and Antigua and Barbuda, and USD 15 million for renewable energy portfolio.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2023 · Q87

Medium

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the ‘Trade and Technology Council’.
Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

The US-EU Trade and Technology Council is real: it was set up in 2021 and first met in Pittsburgh on 29 September 2021. Its stated aims are to coordinate approaches on technology, economic and trade issues and to deepen transatlantic economic ties, not to bring technological progress under the two powers' control.

✓ Statement-I The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was launched by the United States and the European Union in 2021: the European Commission says it was set up at the EU-US Summit in Brussels on 15 June 2021, and its first ministerial meeting took place in Pittsburgh on 29 September 2021.
✗ Statement-II The TTC is a forum where the two sides align their approaches on trade, economic and technology questions and strengthen transatlantic commerce, resting on shared democratic values. Neither side says it is putting technological progress or productivity under its control.

Remember · US-EU Trade and Technology Council (2021): a coordination forum on technology, economic and trade issues built on shared democratic values; first met in Pittsburgh on 29 September 2021.

Sources

United States Trade Representative, U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Inaugural Joint Statement (29 September 2021) ↗ “The United States and the European Union reaffirm the TTC’s objectives to: coordinate approaches to key global technology, economic, and trade issues; and to deepen transatlantic trade and economic relations, basing policies on shared democratic values.”
European Commission: EU-US Trade and Technology Council (copy of the page, 2022) ↗ “European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Joe Biden launched the EU-US Trade and Technology Council at the EU-US Summit in Brussels on June 15, 2021. … serves as a forum for the United States and European Union to coordinate approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues and to deepen transatlantic trade and economic relations”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2023 · Q89

Easy

Consider the following statements:

The 'Stability and Growth Pact' of the European Union is a treaty that

1.limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union
2.makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities
3.enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies

How many of the above statements are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Only one

Only statement 1 is correct. The Stability and Growth Pact is a set of fiscal rules that keeps member states' budget deficits (3% of GDP) and public debt (60% of GDP) within limits; it says nothing about sharing infrastructure or technology.

✓ 1. The Pact is meant to ensure sound public finances and coordinated fiscal policies, and compliance is checked against reference values of 3% of GDP for the government deficit and 60% for gross debt.
✗ 2. The Pact is a budgetary-discipline framework. It does not oblige countries to pool or share infrastructure facilities.
✗ 3. Technology sharing is not part of the Pact, which deals only with fiscal policy.

Remember · EU Stability and Growth Pact: fiscal rules limiting deficits (3% of GDP) and debt (60% of GDP), enforced through the excessive deficit procedure.

Sources

European Commission, Economy and Finance: Stability and Growth Pact ↗ “The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) is a set of rules designed to ensure that countries in the European Union pursue sound public finances and coordinate their fiscal policies.”
European Central Bank: Fiscal policies ↗ “Compliance with this rule is to be examined on the basis of reference values for the general government deficit (3%) and gross debt (60%) in relation to GDP”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2023 · Q90

Medium

Consider the following statements:

1.Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the 'Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)'.
2.The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries.
3.The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) None

None of the statements is correct. The UN General Assembly endorsed the Global Compact by a vote, not unanimously; it is non-binding; and it deals with international migration, not internal migration or internally displaced people.

✗ 1. The General Assembly endorsed the GCM in December 2018 with 152 votes in favour, 12 abstentions and 5 against (Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Poland, United States); another 24 members did not vote. So not all UN members adopted it.
✗ 2. The Compact describes itself as a non-legally binding, cooperative framework.
✗ 3. The Compact is about international migration in all its dimensions. It refers to migrants moving across borders and does not take up internal migration or internally displaced persons.

Remember · GCM (Marrakech, Dec 2018; UNGA vote 152-5-12): the first UN-negotiated global framework on international migration, non-legally binding, and it does not cover internal displacement.

Sources

UN DESA: General Assembly officially adopts roadmap for migrants ↗ “was adopted by the General Assembly with 152 votes in favour, 12 abstentions, and five votes against, namely by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Poland, and the United States of America.”
Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (agreed outcome, 2018), para 7 ↗ “This Global Compact presents a non-legally binding, cooperative framework that builds on the commitments agreed upon by Member States in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. … determined to make an important contribution to enhanced cooperation on international migration in all its dimensions”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2023 · Q94

Medium

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II: The 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is correct: Israel has normalised relations with several Arab States, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2020. Statement-II is wrong: the Arab Peace Initiative was a Saudi proposal adopted by the Arab League in 2002, and Israel never signed it.

✓ Statement-I In September 2020 Israel signed the Abraham Accords with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, establishing normal relations. Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994) had earlier made peace with Israel.
✗ Statement-II The Arab League summit in Beirut (27-28 March 2002) adopted the initiative presented by Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. It asks Israel to withdraw from Arab territories occupied since 1967 and offers normal relations from Arab States in return. Israel is the party addressed, not a signatory.

Remember · Arab Peace Initiative (2002): Saudi proposal adopted by the Arab League at Beirut; land for peace and normal relations. Israel did not sign. Abraham Accords (2020): Israel with UAE and Bahrain.

Sources

UN Security Council meeting coverage SC/14315 (29 September 2020): normalization of ties between Israel and Gulf Arab States ↗ “Citing the agreements — collectively known as the Abraham Accords — between Israel on the one hand and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on the other”
UN Question of Palestine (UNISPAL): Arab Peace Initiative, Beirut Summit of the League of Arab States, 27-28 March 2002 ↗ “Having heard the statement in which His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presented his Initiative and called for Israel’s full withdrawal from all the Arab territories that have been occupied since 1967 … 1. Requests Israel to re-examine its policies and to incline towards peace and declare that a just peace is also its own strategic choice”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2023 · Q100

Easy

Consider the following statements about G-20:

1.The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.
2.Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. The G20 began in 1999, after the Asian financial crisis, as a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, and India made digital public infrastructure one of the three priority areas of its 2023 G20 Presidency.

✓ 1. The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a meeting place for finance ministers and central bank governors. It was later raised to the level of heads of state or government.
✓ 2. During India's 2023 Presidency the G20 Digital Economy Working Group named three priority areas: digital public infrastructure, security in the digital economy and digital skilling.

Remember · G20: founded 1999 for finance ministers and central bank governors, upgraded to a leaders' summit later. India's 2023 presidency put digital public infrastructure on its agenda.

Sources

Ministry of External Affairs, Group of Twenty (G20) Introduction (Internet Archive copy) ↗ “The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues.”
PIB, G20 Digital Economy Working Group identifies three priority areas (Internet Archive copy) ↗ “Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is leading the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) , which has identified three priority areas namely Digital Public Infrastructure, Security in the Digital Economy, and Digital Skilling.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q1

Easy

"Rapid Financing Instrument" and "Rapid Credit Facility" are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) International Monetary Fund

Both are emergency lending windows of the International Monetary Fund. They give quick money to a member country hit by an urgent balance of payments need when a full IMF programme is not needed or not possible; the RCF is the concessional (low-income country) version.

✓ (b) The IMF's Annual Report 2022 calls the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) and the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) its emergency financing instruments for urgent balance of payments needs.
✗ (d) The World Bank lends for long-term development projects and programmes. Short-term balance of payments rescue is the IMF's job, and the IMF says it does not lend for specific projects.
✗ (a) The Asian Development Bank is a regional development lender for Asia and the Pacific; the RFI and RCF are not its facilities.

Remember · IMF emergency finance: RFI for any member with an urgent balance of payments need; RCF, on concessional terms, for low-income members through the PRGT.

Sources

IMF Annual Report 2022 — Lending ↗ “the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) and the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), in order to ensure that member countries have continued access to the IMF’s emergency financing should urgent balance of payments needs arise … IMF lending falls into two categories: loans at interest rates determined by an average of those prevailing among the world’s main currencies and loans to low-income countries on concessional terms.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q4

Easy

With reference to the "G20 Common Framework", consider the following statements:

1.It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.
2.It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

The Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI was agreed in November 2020 by the G20 along with the Paris Club of official creditors. Its purpose is to restructure, case by case, the debt of low-income countries whose debt has become unsustainable.

✓ 1. The G20 and the Paris Club endorsed it together in November 2020. It brings Paris Club creditors and the other G20 official bilateral creditors into one coordinated process.
✓ 2. It targets low-income countries with unsustainable debt. Each eligible country's request is handled case by case by a creditor committee, with the IMF and World Bank supporting the talks through their debt sustainability analysis.

Remember · G20 Common Framework (November 2020): G20 together with the Paris Club; case-by-case debt treatment for low-income countries with unsustainable debt, through creditor committees.

Sources

G20 Italy 2021 (Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance) — The Common Framework for debt treatment beyond the DSSI ↗ “The Common Framework for debt treatment beyond the DSSI (Common Framework) is an initiative endorsed by the G20, together with the Paris Club, last November to support, in a structural manner, Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt. … The Common Framework represents a step change for official creditors, bringing together the Paris Club and G20 official bilateral creditors in a coordinated process.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q42

Hard

Consider the following statements:

1."The Climate Group" is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2.The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative "EP100".
3.EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4.Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5.The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the "Under2 Coalition".

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. The Climate Group, not the International Energy Agency, launched EP100 and is the secretariat of the Under2 Coalition, so statements 2 and 5 fail.

✓ 1. The Climate Group is an international non-profit that describes its method as building and running networks of businesses and governments, such as EP100 and the Under2 Coalition.
✗ 2. EP100 was launched by The Climate Group in 2016 as an action of the We Mean Business coalition. The International Energy Agency did not launch it.
✓ 3. EP100 is a campaign inviting influential companies to pledge to double their energy productivity, that is, to get more economic output from each unit of energy used, which cuts emissions and raises competitiveness.
✓ 4. Mahindra & Mahindra, the tractor maker, joined EP100 in April 2016 and pledged to double its energy productivity by 2030.
✗ 5. The Climate Group has acted as secretariat of the Under2 Coalition, the network of state and regional governments, since 2015. The IEA holds no such role.

Remember · The Climate Group runs EP100 (energy productivity, business) and is secretariat of the Under2 Coalition (sub-national governments). Mahindra & Mahindra is an Indian member.

Sources

UNFCCC, Under2 Coalition press release, COP22 Marrakech (2016) ↗ “The Climate Group, an international non-profit that works with business, state and regional leaders to promote a prosperous, low-carbon future was announced as Secretariat of the Under2 Coalition at last year’s COP in Paris.”
The Climate Group, About us ↗ · reference work “We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action.”
The Climate Group, Under2 Coalition ↗ · reference work “Climate Group acts as the Under2 Coalition’s secretariat, supporting and accelerating collective climate ambition.”
Sustainable Energy for All, Businesses join new global campaign to boost energy productivity (The Climate Group press release, 11 May 2016) ↗ · reference work “The Climate Group launched a new global program on energy productivity - EP100 , an action of the We Mean Business coalition, at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum (EE Global) in Washington D.C. today … They join Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. , the world’s largest manufacturer of tractors, who joined EP100 last month and pledged to double their energy productivity by 2030 on a baseline of 2008-2009. … EP100 is a global campaign to encourage the world’s most influential businesses to pledge to double their energy productivity, in order to get more economic output from each unit of energy input.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q66

Easy

Consider the following:

1.Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
2.Missile Technology Control Regime
3.Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

India is a member of which of the above?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

India belongs to all three: it is a founding member of the AIIB, joined the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016, and became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in June 2017.

✓ 1. India is a Founding Member and the second largest shareholder in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
✓ 2. India was admitted to the MTCR in 2016; the MTCR's own partner list carries the entry 'India (2016)'.
✓ 3. India and Pakistan officially joined the SCO as full members at the Astana summit on 9 June 2017.

Remember · India: AIIB founding member; MTCR member since 2016; SCO full member since 9 June 2017 (Astana).

Sources

PIB: Finance Minister at the 7th AIIB Annual Meeting ↗ “India is a Founding Member and the second largest shareholder in AIIB.”
Missile Technology Control Regime: Partners ↗ · reference work “Iceland (1993) India (2016) Ireland (1992)”
Ministry of External Affairs: Brief on India-SCO Cooperation (September 2022) ↗ “On 9 June 2017, at the historic summit in Astana, India and Pakistan officially joined SCO as full- members.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q76

Hard

With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:

1.It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
2.It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.
3.It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) 3 only

Only statement 3 is right: the Credentials Committee checks the credentials of member states' representatives and reports to the General Assembly. It is a body of the General Assembly, not of the Security Council, and the Assembly's rules give it no fixed March–June–September calendar.

✗ 1. The Committee is appointed by the General Assembly, on the President's proposal, at the beginning of each session. It has no link to the Security Council.
✗ 2. Rule 28 of the Assembly's rules of procedure only says the Committee is appointed at the start of each session, and the UN's own notes say its members are traditionally appointed at the first plenary meeting. No UN page gives a March, June and September meeting calendar.
✓ 3. The Committee has nine members and examines the credentials that delegations submit, then reports to the Assembly, which acts on the report.

Remember · The UN Credentials Committee is a nine-member General Assembly committee, appointed each session, that examines delegates' credentials and reports to the Assembly.

Sources

UN General Assembly, Rules of procedure, IV. Credentials (Rule 28) ↗ “A Credentials Committee shall be appointed at the beginning of each session. It shall consist of nine members, who shall be appointed by the General Assembly on the proposal of the President.”
UN General Assembly, Background ↗ “The Credentials Committee, appointed by the General Assembly at each session, reports to the Assembly on the credentials of representatives.”
UN General Assembly, Credentials Committee ↗ “The Committee is mandated to examine the credentials of representatives of Member States and to report to the General Assembly thereon”
UN General Assembly, Opening of the 62nd session (background) ↗ “The members of the Committee are traditionally appointed at the 1st plenary meeting, on the proposal of the President.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q77

Easy

Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.

The Polar Code is the International Maritime Organization's safety and pollution-prevention code for ships sailing in the Arctic and Antarctic waters. It is made binding through the SOLAS and MARPOL conventions and applies from 1 January 2017.

✓ (a) Its full name is the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters. It covers ship design, equipment, crew training, search and rescue and protection of the polar environment.
✗ (b) It says nothing about territorial claims or boundaries around the poles; it is a shipping rule-book.
✗ (c) Norms for scientific research in the polar regions come from other instruments, such as the Antarctic Treaty system, and not from the Polar Code.
✗ (d) The Arctic Council is a forum for cooperation on Arctic issues; the Polar Code was adopted by the IMO and is not a trade or security pact.

Remember · Polar Code = IMO's International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, mandatory under SOLAS and MARPOL since 1 January 2017.

Sources

International Maritime Organization, Shipping in polar waters ↗ · reference work “IMO's International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) is mandatory under both the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). … The Polar Code entered into force on 1 January 2017.”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

Prelims 2022 · Q78

Medium

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:

1.The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2.Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3.Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are correct. The General Assembly, by its own decisions, lets non-member States and inter-governmental organisations take part as observers, and Permanent Observers keep missions at UN Headquarters in New York.

✓ 1. The Holy See and the State of Palestine are non-member observer States. In 2012 (resolution 67/19) the Assembly gave Palestine that status.
✓ 2. Many inter-governmental organisations, such as the African Union and the OECD, hold a standing invitation to take part as observers in the Assembly's sessions and work.
✓ 3. Non-member States with a standing invitation, and some inter-governmental organisations, maintain Permanent Observer Missions or offices at Headquarters.

Remember · Observers at the UN General Assembly: non-member States (Holy See, Palestine) and inter-governmental organisations. Both can keep permanent missions or offices at UN Headquarters.

Sources

United Nations, Non-Member States ↗ “Non-Member States having received a standing invitation to participate as Observers in the sessions and the work of the General Assembly and maintaining Permanent Observer Missions at Headquarters … By resolution A/RES/67/19 of 29 November 2012, the General Assembly accorded non-Member Observer State status to Palestine.”
United Nations, Intergovernmental and Other Organizations ↗ “Intergovernmental Organizations having received a standing invitation to participate as Observers in the sessions and the work of the General Assembly and maintaining Permanent Offices at Headquarters”

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2022, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). Permalink ·

The same topic in Mains

Groupings & agreementsGS 2 syllabus
International institutionsGS 2 syllabus

International organisations & groupings

The same topic in Mains

More in International relations & current affairs