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 statements:

1. The conflict between the country’s Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to the deaths of thousands and forced millions from their homes.

2. The situation in the western region of Darfur has been particularly dire, with reports of mass killings and widespread destruction.

3. In some areas, children are dying of starvation, and the recent rainy season has exacerbated the crisis by causing flooding and further displacement.

The above mentioned statements refer to which country?

(a) Chad

(b) Ethiopia

(c) Libya

(d) Sudan

Explanation

— Sudan’s ongoing civil war has descended into a humanitarian crisis, with reports of widespread hunger and displacement.

— The battle between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands and displaced millions.

— The situation in western Darfur has been especially bad, with allegations of mass deaths and widespread destruction. Children are dying from famine in certain regions, and the recent rainy season has compounded the issue by creating flooding and relocation.

— As the conflict worsens, the report warns that increased violence might cause widespread displacement and a surge in cross-border migration into neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic, as reported by The Guardian.

— The FAO identified many countries as “very high concern” hotspots for severe food insecurity, including Chad, Nigeria, Mozambique, Lebanon, Myanmar, Syria, and Yemen. New additions to the list, such as Namibia and Lesotho, have seen hunger intensify due to bad weather and lower agricultural output. Kenya, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all confront substantial food insecurity.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Mount Fuji was recently in the news. It is located in:

(a) Italy

(b) Japan

(c) Philippines

(d) Tanzania

Explanation

— Mount Fuji is generally snow-covered for much of the year, but its climbing season, from July to September, sees over 220,000 hikers tackle its steep slopes, with many trekking through the night to view the sunrise from its 3,776-metre peak.

— Japan had its hottest summer on record this year, matching 2023, as extreme heat waves hit portions of the planet.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

With reference to the G7, consider the following statements:

1. It originated from a 1973 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in Paris.

2. Russia was included in 1998 and its membership was suspended in 2014.

3. The African Union is part of G7.

4. The first G7 summit was held in 1975 in Germany.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The G7 arose from a 1973 summit of finance ministers and central bank governors in Paris, France. This summit was held in response to serious economic issues at the time, including an oil crisis, growing inflation, and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. The US dollar’s value was fixed against gold. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The inaugural G7 summit, held in 1975 at Rambouillet, France, brought together the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, and Japan. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— Since 1977, officials from the European Economic Community, now known as the European Union, have also participated. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Russia’s accession in 1998 enlarged the group to the G8, however, its participation was suspended in 2014 due to the annexation of Crimea. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

With reference to the Westbank, consider the following statements:

1. The southeastern part of Westbank shares its border with the Dead Sea.

2. The Jordan River makes the boundary of Westbank on the western side.

3. Westbank border the Mediterranean Sea on the northern side.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

— According to the health ministry in Ramallah, approximately 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the war began, with soldiers shooting the vast majority of them.

— The war has clearly increased tensions between settlers and Palestinians.

— The West Bank is bordered by Israel on three sides and Jordan on the east. It also shares a boundary with the Dead Sea to the southeast. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The Jordan River defines the eastern border of the Westbank. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Westbank does not border the Mediterranean Sea. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Sindalah, a luxury island is located in:

(a) Gulf of Aqaba

(b) Gulf of Oman

(c) Red Sea

(d) Mediterranean Sea

Explanation

— Saudi Arabia’s future mega-city project, NEOM, has taken a huge step closer to reality with the unveiling of its first physical display, Sindalah, a luxury island in the Red Sea.

— The statement came on Sunday, just ahead of the “Davos in the Desert” investor gathering, which is slated to begin in Riyadh. Sindalah plans to include world-class restaurants, hotels, and sailing facilities, despite continued concerns about the NEOM project’s viability.

— Sindalah encompasses over 840,000 square metres (about 200 acres) and is expected to accommodate up to 2,400 people per day by 2028, according to a NEOM statement.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 82)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 82)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 82)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 81)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 81)

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