Regional Groups — UPSC CSE Questions

511 UPSC CSE practice questions on Regional Groups, part of International Relations. Below are 12 of them in full, each with the answer and a written explanation.

Questions & explanations

1. Consider the following statements about digital health under the G20: 1. The G20 has endorsed the use of digital health tools for pandemic surveillance. 2. India proposed the 'Global Digital Health Initiative' during its G20 presidency. Which of the above is/are correct?

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: the G20 has endorsed digital health tools for pandemic surveillance, including under India's 2023 presidency. Statement 2 is incorrect: India promoted a 'Global Initiative on Digital Health' (GIDH) under WHO auspices during its G20 presidency, but it was not specifically called the 'Global Digital Health Initiative' as a standalone G20 proposal in the form stated — more accurately, it was framed as supporting WHO's digital health work. However, the factual error is clearer: India's G20 presidency pushed for a 'G20 Digital Health Innovation Hub' and endorsed WHO's digital health strategy; the name 'Global Digital Health Initiative' is inaccurate. Statement 2 is not verifiably correct as stated. Only statement 1 is correct.

2. With reference to the New Development Bank (NDB), consider the following statements: 1. The NDB has the authority to issue bonds in multiple currencies. 2. The NDB's voting power is equally distributed among all BRICS members. 3. The NDB has funded projects in renewable energy and urban infrastructure in member countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are correct. The NDB can raise money by issuing bonds in many currencies. It funds infrastructure and sustainable development projects, such as renewable energy and urban infrastructure, in member and other developing countries. Importantly, the voting power of the five founding BRICS members is equal: each holds an equal 20% share because each put in the same capital (US$10 billion each, US$50 billion in total). This equal say is a key feature that sets the NDB apart from the World Bank and IMF, where votes depend on the size of each country's contribution. So statement 2 is also correct, and the right answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. Note: China being the largest shareholder applies to the AIIB, not the NDB.

3. With reference to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), consider the following statements: 1. The permanent Secretariat of BIMSTEC, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, became operational in 2014. 2. BIMSTEC's foundational principles prioritize economic cooperation and regional connectivity, deliberately designed to circumvent contentious bilateral issues among member states. 3. Thailand assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC in 2022 and is expected to host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Statement 1 is correct: The BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh, officially became operational in 2014, facilitating the organization's administrative functions. Statement 2 is correct: BIMSTEC was specifically established with foundational principles that prioritize multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation and regional connectivity, intentionally designed to avoid the contentious bilateral political issues that have historically hindered other regional organizations like SAARC. Statement 3 is correct: Thailand assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC from Sri Lanka after the 5th BIMSTEC Summit held in Colombo in March 2022, and is preparing to host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

4. Which of the following initiatives was launched by India during its G20 Presidency to promote digital public infrastructure?

  1. (a) Global Digital Public Infrastructure (GDPI) Platform
  2. (b) G20 Digital Transformation Index
  3. (c) Digital India Initiative
  4. (d) G20 Smart Cities Network

Answer: (a) Global Digital Public Infrastructure (GDPI) Platform

During its G20 Presidency, India led work on digital public infrastructure for the Global South. Its two main outcomes were the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a shared online resource that lets countries learn from each other's digital systems, and the One Future Alliance (OFA), set up to share know-how and build capacity. India also created a Social Impact Fund for this work. Among the given choices, option (a) points to this India-led digital public infrastructure effort. Option (b) names an index that does not exist. Option (c), Digital India, is a home programme, not a G20 launch. Option (d) was not set up under India's presidency.

5. With reference to the New Development Bank (NDB), consider the following statements: 1. The NDB was established to reduce dependence on Western-dominated financial institutions like the World Bank. 2. The NDB has a voting power distribution based on equal shares among all BRICS members. 3. The NDB has approved projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban development. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are correct, so the answer is (d). The NDB was created to reduce reliance on Western-led institutions like the World Bank. A special feature of the NDB is that each of the five founding members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) holds an equal voting share of about 20 percent, so voting power is indeed equal among the founders, unlike most other development banks. The NDB has also approved many projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban development. Because all three statements are true, options (a), (b), and (c) are wrong as each leaves out at least one correct statement.

6. With reference to the QUAD, consider the following statements: 1. The QUAD has evolved from a loose dialogue to a formalized security alliance. 2. The QUAD does not have a permanent secretariat or a standing military command. 3. The QUAD has initiated joint military exercises focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Statement 2 is correct: the QUAD has no permanent secretariat and no standing military command. It works through summits and ministerial meetings. Statement 3 is correct: the QUAD treats humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) as a key area. In 2022 the four leaders set up the Quad Partnership on HADR in the Indo-Pacific to act together after disasters. Statement 1 is incorrect: the QUAD is still a strategic dialogue, not a formal military alliance. Note that the Malabar naval exercise is a war-fighting drill, not a HADR drill, and Tiger Triumph is a India-US bilateral exercise, not a QUAD one.

7. Consider the following statements about regional connectivity in South Asia: 1. The Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) under SAARC aims to facilitate cross-border transport between member states. 2. The SAARC Satellite was launched to enhance communication and disaster management across the region. 3. BIMSTEC has established a Regional Rail Network to connect South and Southeast Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Statement 1 is correct: the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement was meant to allow cross-border movement of passenger and cargo vehicles among members. However, it was never signed because Pakistan blocked it at the 2014 SAARC summit. (The agreement signed in 2015 was the separate BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, not a SAARC pact.) Statement 2 is correct: the South Asia Satellite, earlier called the SAARC Satellite, was launched in 2017 for communication and disaster management. rail links are still only at the planning stage. So only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

8. With reference to India's G20 Presidency (2022-2023), consider the following statements: 1. India successfully advocated for the permanent membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20. 2. The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was launched during India's G20 Presidency to facilitate cooperation for the adoption of biofuels. 3. The 'Startup20 Engagement Group' was established for the first time under India's G20 Presidency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

India's G20 Presidency was marked by several significant achievements. India successfully championed the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, enhancing the representation of the Global South. The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was launched as a multi-stakeholder initiative to accelerate the global adoption of biofuels, promoting sustainable energy transitions. Furthermore, India introduced the 'Startup20 Engagement Group' for the first time, providing a platform for startups to contribute to G20 policy recommendations and foster innovation.

9. Which of the following projects is a flagship initiative under BIMSTEC for regional connectivity?

  1. (a) SAARC Satellite
  2. (b) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Motor Vehicle Agreement
  3. (c) South Asia Regional Trade Corridor
  4. (d) Indian Ocean Maritime Security Initiative

Answer: (b) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Motor Vehicle Agreement

The BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) is the flagship connectivity effort meant to let passenger, personal and cargo vehicles move across member states. It is still being negotiated and has not yet been signed or made operational, so cross-border vehicle movement is not yet allowed under it. Among the choices it is the only genuine BIMSTEC connectivity initiative, so the answer is (b). The SAARC Satellite is a SAARC project, the South Asia Regional Trade Corridor is not a BIMSTEC scheme, and maritime security is a focus area but not this flagship project.

10. Which of the following statements about India’s G20 Presidency is/are correct? 1. India championed the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. 2. India emphasized the role of digital public infrastructure in global development. 3. India hosted the G20 summit in New Delhi and also organized side events in various cities across India.

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

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

India successfully championed the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, a landmark achievement of its presidency. It also placed significant emphasis on leveraging digital public infrastructure (DPI) for inclusive global development, sharing its own successful models. While the main G20 Leaders' Summit was held in New Delhi, numerous ministerial meetings, working group meetings, and side events were indeed organized in various cities across India, not just regional capitals, to involve different regions in the presidency.

11. With respect to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), consider the following statements: 1. The NDB has the authority to issue bonds in multiple currencies, including the Indian Rupee and Chinese Yuan. 2. The NDB’s voting power is equally distributed among all BRICS members. 3. The NDB has approved projects in Africa and Latin America, not just in BRICS countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are correct, so the answer is (d). Statement 1 is correct: the NDB raises money by issuing bonds in many currencies, including the Indian Rupee and the Chinese Yuan. Statement 2 is correct: the five founding BRICS members hold equal voting power, with each having a 20 percent share at the start. This equal-vote model is a key feature of the NDB and is different from the IMF and World Bank, where votes depend on money put in. Even as new members join, the five founders keep at least 55 percent of the votes.

12. Which of the following initiatives were launched during India's G20 Presidency in 2023? 1. G20 Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Working Group 2. G20 Climate Finance Task Force 3. G20 Women's Empowerment Initiative Select the correct answer using the code below:

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

Answer: (a) 1 only

The G20 Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Working Group was indeed launched during India's G20 Presidency in 2023 to foster global cooperation on digital public infrastructure. However, the G20 Climate Finance Task Force was established much earlier and was not a new initiative launched in 2023. Similarly, while women's empowerment was a key focus, a specific 'G20 Women's Empowerment Initiative' as a newly launched body or initiative in 2023 is inaccurate; existing platforms like G20 EMPOWER continued their work.

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