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 the International Relations Quiz to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the MCQs on Weekly Current Affairs.

Consider the following countries:

1. Indonesia

2. China

3. Australia

4. India

Which of the following countries given above are involved in Keris Woomera 2024 drills?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 4 only

Explanation

— Indonesia and Australia have launched joint military exercises off the coast of Java, with around 2,000 troops taking part in a series of air, maritime, amphibious, and land operations.

— The four-day Keris Woomera 2024 drills include live-fire exercises involving tanks, artillery, infantry, and attack helicopters, along with a joint landing operation and a non-combat evacuation exercise simulating a disaster scenario.

— The exercise is part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024, its largest international engagement initiative in the region.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

With reference to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), consider the following statements:

1. It is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

2. It meets at the United Nations Office in New York.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The UN Human Rights Committee raised concerns over alleged discrimination and violence against minority groups in India.

— In a recent report, the committee highlighted the plight of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and LGBTQI individuals as well as the application of counter-terrorism legislation for decades in some districts of the country.

— It is an intergovernmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It is in charge of bolstering global efforts to promote and defend human rights.

— The 47-member Council offers a multilateral forum for discussing national circumstances and breaches of human rights.

— It offers suggestions on how to more effectively apply human rights in practice and react to emergencies involving human rights.

— It convenes in UNOG, the United Nations Office in Geneva. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Responsibilities

— Provides a global platform for discussion of human rights concerns with representatives of the United Nations

— Adopts resolutions or judgements at regular sessions that represent the global community’s position on certain human rights matters or circumstances.

— Calls special sessions, or crisis meetings, to address pressing human rights issues.

— Review each United Nations Member State’s human rights record.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: http://www.ohchr.org)

With reference to the World Trade Organization (WTO), consider the following statements:

1. It aims to promote free trade through trade agreements discussed and signed by the member states.

2. The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s top decision-making body and usually meets every third year.

3. It provides a forum for countries to negotiate trade rules and settle economic disputes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

— The World Trade Organization is the only international organization that deals with the rules of trade between countries.

— It was founded in 1995, the WTO is run by its 164 members, and according to its rules, all decisions are taken through consensus and any member can exercise a veto.

— It aims to promote free trade, which is done through trade agreements that are discussed and signed by the member states. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The WTO also provides a forum for countries to negotiate trade rules and settle economic disputes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s top decision-making body and usually meets every two years. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— All members of the WTO are involved in the Ministerial Conference and they can make decisions on all matters covered under any multilateral trade agreements.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Consider the following countries:

1. Japan

2. France

3. China

4. United Kingdom

5. Russia

How many of the countries given above have permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) All five

Explanation

— The United Kingdom (UK) has reiterated its support for permanent membership for India in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as part of an expansion of the international panel to ensure it can continue to rise to the pressing challenges faced by the world.

— In an address to a UN General Assembly (UNGA) plenary in New York, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly Archie Young reflected upon Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement at the UNGA back in September calling for UNSC reforms to ensure the global multilateral system is “more representative and more responsive.

— Besides India, Young stressed that the UK wants permanent representation for Africa, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.

— Five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Consider the following countries:

1. Lebanon

2. Iraq

3. Syria

4. Iran

How many of the above countries share a border with Israel?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The idea of a UN-proposed two-state solution – the creation of Israel and Palestine – was rejected by Palestinians in 1947.

— A powerful Israeli state took control, following a war that led to the displacement of around 700,000 Palestinians. This was known as the Naqba or the catastrophe.

— The countries that border Israel are Lebanon: to the north, Syria: to the northeast, Jordan: to the east and southeast and Egypt: to the southwest.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

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