One of the most contentious issues in the ongoing UN Security Council reform discussions is the question of:
A The budget allocation for the UN Secretariat.
B The expansion of the veto power to more permanent members.
C The number of official languages used by the UN.
D The location of the UN headquarters.
Answer: B
The veto power held by the five permanent members (P5) is a major point of contention. Many countries argue that extending this power to new permanent members or reforming its use is crucial for a more democratic and effective Security Council, while others, including some P5 members, are reluctant to dilute their influence.
92.
The 'G4' group of nations, actively advocating for permanent seats in a reformed UN Security Council, comprises which of the following countries?
A China, France, Russia, United Kingdom
B India, Germany, Japan, Brazil
C United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia
D South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya
Answer: B
The G4 nations β India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil β are four countries that support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. They are among the largest economies in their respective regions and contribute significantly to the UN, arguing for a more representative and effective Security Council.
93.
Which of the following is considered a primary reason for the intensified calls for reform of the UN Security Council in 2026?
A The current structure reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945, not the 21st century.
B Lack of funding for UN peacekeeping operations.
C The increasing number of non-permanent members.
D The declining relevance of the General Assembly.
Answer: A
The UN Security Council's structure, with its five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, largely reflects the power dynamics at the end of World War II. Critics argue that this structure is outdated and does not adequately represent the geopolitical realities of the 21st century, leading to calls for reform to include more diverse representation.
94.
In the context of the India-EU "Green Transition" focus, which of the following initiatives is most relevant to their collaborative efforts?
A Joint military exercises in the Arctic region
B Development of a common currency for bilateral trade
C Partnership on clean energy technologies and circular economy
D Establishment of a shared satellite navigation system
Answer: C
The India-EU "Green Transition" partnership primarily focuses on collaboration in areas such as clean energy technologies, climate action, sustainable finance, resource efficiency, and the circular economy, aligning with global climate goals.
95.
India and the European Union re-launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in which year, aiming to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation?
A 2018
B 2020
C 2022
D 2024
Answer: C
India and the European Union officially re-launched negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), and an Agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs) in June 2022.
96.
The recent India-EU Strategic Dialogue emphasized key areas of cooperation. Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area highlighted in the context of this dialogue?
A Deepening trade and investment ties
B Advancing the green and sustainable transition
C Enhancing cooperation in space exploration and colonization
D Strengthening digital partnership and cybersecurity
Answer: C
While India and the EU cooperate on various fronts, space exploration and colonization are not typically highlighted as primary focus areas of their strategic dialogues, which predominantly center on trade, green transition, digital partnership, and security.
97.
The Ezulwini Consensus is a significant proposal in the context of UN Security Council reform, particularly championed by which regional bloc?
A European Union
B African Union
C ASEAN
D BRICS
Answer: B
The Ezulwini Consensus, adopted by the African Union in 2005, calls for Africa to be allocated two permanent seats with veto power and five non-permanent seats in a reformed UN Security Council.
98.
A key point of contention in the UN Security Council reform discussions is the issue of the veto power. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the current situation regarding the veto power?
A All 15 members of the Security Council possess veto power.
B Only the five permanent members (P5) hold veto power, and it applies to all substantive resolutions.
C Veto power can be exercised by any non-permanent member if supported by two-thirds of the General Assembly.
D The veto power has been abolished for resolutions concerning humanitarian interventions.
Answer: B
The veto power is exclusively held by the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and allows them to block any substantive resolution, regardless of the level of support it receives from other members.
99.
Which of the following groups of countries is collectively known as the G4, advocating for permanent seats in a reformed UN Security Council?
A India, Germany, Japan, Brazil
B China, Russia, France, UK
C USA, UK, France, Germany
D India, South Africa, Brazil, Germany
Answer: A
The G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) are four countries that support each other's bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
100.
The 2026 SCO Summit's emphasis on regional security is also likely to involve discussions on enhancing cooperation in which related area?
A Drug trafficking and illicit arms trade.
B Space debris management.
C Global financial market stability.
D Artificial intelligence regulation.
Answer: A
Combating drug trafficking and the illicit arms trade are integral components of regional security for the SCO, and cooperation in these areas is expected to be a key discussion point at the 2026 summit.
