Which group of nations, including India, collectively advocates for the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of the UN Security Council, reflecting the contemporary geopolitical realities?
A G7
B BRICS
C G4
D Quad
Answer: C
The G4 group comprises India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan. These four countries mutually support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UN Security Council and advocate for its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories.
12.
What is the primary objective of India's long-standing push for comprehensive reforms in the UN Security Council?
A To secure a permanent membership with veto power.
B To abolish the veto power for all existing permanent members.
C To increase the number of non-permanent members only.
D To reduce the total number of Security Council members.
Answer: A
India's primary objective in pushing for UNSC reforms is to gain a permanent seat, ideally with veto power, to reflect its growing global stature and influence. This is a core demand of the G4 nations.
13.
In the context of the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum, what is a likely outcome related to cybersecurity cooperation among member states?
A Creation of a unified ARF cyber defense command.
B Development of a common framework for information sharing on cyber threats and best practices.
C Imposition of uniform cybersecurity regulations across all member states.
D Establishment of an ARF-controlled internet censorship body.
Answer: B
Given the ARF's focus on dialogue and cooperation, a likely outcome in 2026 would be the strengthening of mechanisms for sharing information on cyber threats and promoting best practices for cybersecurity, rather than creating unified commands or imposing uniform regulations.
14.
Considering the geopolitical landscape in 2026, what is a probable area of discussion and potential outcome at the ASEAN Regional Forum regarding the South China Sea?
A Mandating a joint ARF naval patrol in the South China Sea.
B Encouraging adherence to international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
C Establishing an ARF-controlled shipping lane through the South China Sea.
D Forming a military alliance among ARF members to assert claims.
Answer: B
The ARF typically encourages member states to adhere to international law, such as UNCLOS, and promotes peaceful dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms for issues like the South China Sea, rather than forming military alliances or mandating patrols.
15.
As of 2026, which of the following is a likely key outcome or focus area for the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) discussions, given its mandate?
A Establishing a common ASEAN passport for all member states.
B Strengthening regional security architecture and addressing non-traditional security threats.
C Forming a unified ASEAN military force for collective defense.
D Implementing a single economic market across all ASEAN nations.
Answer: B
The ARF's primary mandate is to foster dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on confidence-building measures and addressing non-traditional threats like terrorism, pandemics, and maritime security.
16.
Which of the following areas is a key focus of India-Japan maritime security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region?
A Promoting exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of third countries.
B Ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, and upholding international law.
C Establishing a joint naval base in the South China Sea.
D Developing a common currency for maritime trade.
Answer: B
A core objective of India-Japan maritime cooperation, often discussed within the QUAD framework, is to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight and uphold international law, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
17.
In the context of India-Japan maritime security cooperation, what does the term 'QUAD' primarily refer to?
A A quadrilateral naval formation for joint patrols.
B The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue involving India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.
C A treaty for mutual defense in the Indo-Pacific region.
D A joint research initiative on underwater acoustics.
Answer: B
The QUAD, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, which often discusses maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
18.
Which of the following exercises is a significant bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination in maritime security?
A Malabar Exercise
B Sahyog-Kaijin
C Indo-Pacific Endeavour
D Passex
Answer: B
Sahyog-Kaijin is a joint maritime search and rescue exercise between the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard, focusing on cooperation in maritime safety and security.
19.
Which of the following international bodies plays a crucial role in providing data, analysis, and recommendations to the G20 regarding climate finance flows and needs as of 2026?
A World Trade Organization (WTO)
B International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank
C International Criminal Court (ICC)
D World Health Organization (WHO)
Answer: B
The IMF and World Bank are key institutions that provide extensive research, data, and policy advice on global financial issues, including climate finance, often informing G20 deliberations and commitments.
20.
The G20 has been discussing mechanisms to mobilize private capital for climate action. Which of the following is a proposed strategy to encourage private sector investment in climate-resilient infrastructure by 2026?
A Imposing strict regulations on all private investments
B Developing blended finance instruments and de-risking mechanisms
C Nationalizing all climate-related industries
D Reducing transparency in financial reporting
Answer: B
G20 discussions often highlight the importance of blended finance, where public funds are used to leverage private investment, and de-risking mechanisms like guarantees and insurance, to make climate-resilient projects more attractive to private investors.