UPSC Prelims 2016
International Relations Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 only

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), not by APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). It was conceptualized at the fourth BRICS Summit in New Delhi (2012) and formally established at the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil (2014).

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The headquarters of the New Development Bank is located in Shanghai, China. The bank became operational in 2015 with the mandate to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Iran

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional political and economic union established on 25 May 1981. It consists of six Arab states of the Persian Gulf: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Iran, despite being a Gulf nation, is not a member of the GCC due to political, sectarian, and ideological differences with the Arab member states.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is an intergovernmental organization established in September 2012 as a permanent financial assistance mechanism for eurozone member states facing financial difficulties. With a maximum lending capacity of €500 billion, it serves as a financial firewall to safeguard the stability of the eurozone by providing emergency loans and financial support to countries experiencing severe economic distress, subject to strict conditions and policy reforms.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 2 and 3

❌ Pair 1 – Kurd: Bangladesh – Incorrect: Kurds are a distinct ethnic group primarily inhabiting regions across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. They have no significant presence in Bangladesh and are not associated with its affairs.

✅ Pair 2 – Madhesi: Nepal – Correct: Madhesis are Indo-Aryan communities residing in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. They have been politically active, often demanding greater representation and rights in Nepal's governance.

✅ Pair 3 – Rohingya: Myanmar – Correct: Rohingyas are a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar's Rakhine State. They have been in international news due to severe human rights violations and forced displacement to Bangladesh.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 only

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The India-Africa Forum Summit held in 2015 was indeed the third edition (IAFS-III). The first summit took place in New Delhi in 2008, the second in Addis Ababa in 2011, and the third in New Delhi in October 2015.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The IAFS mechanism was not instituted in 1951 under Nehru's leadership. The India-Africa Forum Summit was formally established only in 2008 as a structured platform for India-Africa dialogue. While Jawaharlal Nehru championed Afro-Asian solidarity through initiatives like the 1947 Asian Relations Conference and the 1955 Bandung Conference, the IAFS is a separate 21st-century framework created six decades later.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — China

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as One Belt One Road (OBOR), is a massive global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation between Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond through two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt (overland routes) and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (sea routes). China invests in ports, railways, highways, and energy projects across participating countries to strengthen trade linkages and expand its economic influence globally.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — ASEAN

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega free trade agreement signed in November 2020 involving ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its five major trading partners — China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. ASEAN is at the core of this partnership, making it the largest regional trading bloc covering approximately 30% of global GDP and population. India was initially part of the negotiations but withdrew in 2019 citing concerns over trade deficits and impact on domestic industries. The agreement came into force in January 2022 and aims to reduce tariffs, streamline trade rules, and enhance economic integration across the Asia-Pacific region.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: OPCW is an independent, autonomous international organization based in The Hague, Netherlands, not an organization of the European Union. It implements the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and has 193 member states globally. While it cooperates with NATO, WHO and other organizations, it is not under their purview or limited to Europe.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: OPCW monitors chemical industries worldwide through routine inspections of declared chemical production facilities to ensure that toxic chemicals are not diverted for weapons purposes. This verification regime prevents the emergence of new chemical weapons.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Under Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention, OPCW provides assistance and protection to member states facing chemical weapons threats. This includes offering training, protective equipment, detection technology, and emergency response support to enhance national chemical security capabilities.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — A non-governmental international organization

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), commonly known as Doctors Without Borders, is an independent international medical humanitarian NGO founded in 1971 in France. It operates independently of any government, providing medical assistance to populations affected by armed conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare, irrespective of race, religion, or political affiliation. MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 for its pioneering humanitarian work across continents, recognized for its impartiality and commitment to medical ethics.