UPSC Essentials Daily Subject Quiz - International Relations

UPSC Essentials Daily Subject Quiz: International Relations remains one of the most dynamic and current-affairs-driven sections of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. From evolving geopolitical alignments in the Indo-Pacific to debates around global governance reforms, aspirants must develop conceptual clarity along with awareness of contemporary developments.

Today’s UPSC Essentials Quiz focuses on important themes such as QUAD, BRICS, UNSC reforms, maritime chokepoints, regional groupings, and strategic connectivity initiatives.

UPSC Essentials Daily Subject Quiz On International Relations 2026

Question 1

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

1. It includes India, Japan, Australia and the United States.
2. It is a formal military alliance similar to NATO.
3. It promotes a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:
QUAD is an informal strategic grouping and not a military alliance like NATO. Its primary focus is cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Question 2

Which of the following countries border the South China Sea?

1. Vietnam
2. Philippines
3. Laos
4. Malaysia

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:
Laos is a landlocked country and does not border the South China Sea.

Question 3

The term “Blue Economy” is best described as:

(a) Export of marine products only
(b) Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth
(c) Naval dominance in strategic waters
(d) Deep-sea exploration activities only

Answer: (b) Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth

Explanation:
Blue Economy emphasizes sustainable development of ocean resources while preserving marine ecosystems.

Question 4

Consider the following organizations:

1. ASEAN
2. BIMSTEC
3. SAARC
4. SCO

Which of the above include India as a member?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:
India is not a member of ASEAN but participates in ASEAN-led forums.

Question 5

The Strait of Hormuz connects:

(a) Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(b) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
(c) Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
(d) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

Answer: (b) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

Explanation:
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.

Question 6

With reference to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consider the following statements:

1. It has five permanent members.
2. India is a permanent member of the UNSC.
3. Permanent members possess veto power.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:
India has served multiple terms as a non-permanent member but is not a permanent member of the UNSC.

Question 7

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) primarily works for:

(a) Climate change mitigation financing
(b) Global trade regulation
(c) Peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear safeguards
(d) Refugee rehabilitation

Answer: (c) Peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear safeguards

Explanation:
IAEA functions under the UN system to ensure safe and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Question 8

Which one of the following countries is NOT a member of BRICS?

(a) Brazil
(b) South Africa
(c) Mexico
(d) India

Answer: (c) Mexico

Explanation:
BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Question 9

Consider the following pairs:

Corridor/Initiative Countries/Region Associated
1. INSTC India–Iran–Russia
2. IMEC India–Middle East–Europe
3. BRI China-led connectivity initiative

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
All three initiatives are major connectivity and trade corridor projects with strategic geopolitical implications.

Question 10

“Five Eyes” refers to:

(a) A military alliance in Europe
(b) A maritime grouping in the Indo-Pacific
(c) An intelligence-sharing alliance of five English-speaking countries
(d) A UN peacekeeping mechanism

Answer: (c) An intelligence-sharing alliance of five English-speaking countries

Explanation:
The Five Eyes alliance includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

UPSC Mains Enrichment Corner

Important themes from today’s quiz: