International Relations: UPSC Previous Year Questions (International Relations and Current Affairs)
91 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on international relations appear here, from 2011 to 2025. UPSC asks which organisation issues which report, which countries belong to a grouping, what a treaty or initiative does and where a place in the news is. The explanations give the member list and purpose so that country-count questions can be settled.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 31–40 of 91 questions
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UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q31. Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member of which of the above?
Explanation
Option 1 is correct: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Beijing, China. It focuses on infrastructure financing in the Asia-Pacific region. India is a founding member (member since 2016) and the second-largest shareholder after China.
Option 2 is correct: Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an informal political agreement among 35 member countries to prevent the proliferation of missile technology capable of carrying WMDs (weapons of mass destruction). India became a full member in 2016, helping strengthen its missile development programs.
Option 3 is correct: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance originally led by China and Russia. India joined as a full member in 2017 alongside Pakistan.
UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q32. Consider the following statements: 1. Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in the recent years. 2. Vietnam is led by a multi-party political system. 3. Vietnam’s economic growth is linked to its integration with global supply chains and focus on exports. 4. For a long time, Vietnam’s low labour costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers. 5. Vietnam has the most productive e-service sector in the In-do-Pacific region. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing economies in recent years, with GDP growth averaging 6-7% annually. Strong manufacturing, exports, and foreign direct investment (FDI) have driven growth.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Vietnam is a one-party communist state led by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). There is no multi-party system in the country.
Statement 3 is correct: Vietnam’s economic growth is highly linked to its role in global supply chains, particularly in electronics, textiles, and manufacturing. It is a key exporter to the US, China, and the EU.
Statement 4 is correct: Vietnam has long attracted global manufacturers due to low labour costs, a skilled workforce, and currency stability. Major companies like Samsung, Apple (via suppliers), and Nike have expanded production in Vietnam.
Statement 5 is incorrect: While Vietnam has a growing digital economy, it does not have the most productive e-service sector in the Indo-Pacific. Countries like India and Singapore lead in e-services and digital innovation in the region.
UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q33. The term "Levant" often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?
Explanation
The Levant refers to the eastern Mediterranean region covering Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and parts of Turkey and Egypt (Sinai Peninsula). It is derived from the French word lever (to rise) and signifies the eastward direction of the rising sun. This region has been historically significant for trade, ancient civilizations, and conflicts. The term is also associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated terrorist organization.
Option (b) is incorrect: Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco is generally referred to as the Maghreb, not the Levant. The Maghreb includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania with Egypt sometimes included in broader definitions.
Option (c) is incorrect: Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Yemen (Persian Gulf), and Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea (Horn of Africa).
Option (d) is incorrect: The Mediterranean coastline includes regions from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant but the term "Levant" does not cover the entire Mediterranean.
UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q34. With reference to the "G20 Common Framework", consider the following statements: 1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club. 2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) was introduced in November 2020 to help low-income countries (LICs) manage unsustainable debt burdens caused by economic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statement 1 is correct: The G20 Common Framework was jointly developed by the G20 and the Paris Club, a group of major creditor nations that coordinate debt relief efforts. It aims to provide debt restructuring, relief, and sustainability measures for eligible countries.
Statement 2 is correct: The Common Framework focuses on low-income countries (LICs) with high debt burdens, particularly those eligible for the International Development Association (IDA) assistance. It allows for case-by-case debt restructuring, ensuring that LICs can stabilize their economies and recover from financial crises.
UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q35. Consider the following pairs: Country Region Often Mentioned in the News 1. Anatolia - Turkey 2. Amhara - Ethiopia 3. Cabo Delgado - Spain 4. Catalonia - Italy How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation
Pair 1 is correctly matched: Anatolia is a historical and geographical region covering most of modern-day Turkiye. It is often in the news due to geopolitical issues, earthquakes, and archaeological discoveries.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: Amhara is a region in Ethiopia that has been in the news due to conflicts involving the Ethiopian government and Tigray forces. It is one of the major ethnic regions in Ethiopia.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Cabo Delgado is in Mozambique, not Spain. It has been in the news due to Islamist insurgencies and attacks by terrorist groups in northern Mozambique.
Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Catalonia is in Spain, not Italy. It is a region in northeastern Spain that has been in the news due to independence movements and political conflicts with the Spanish government.
UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q36. Consider the following pairs:
Country
Important Reason for Being in the News Recently
1. Chad
Setting up of a permanent military base by China
2. Guinea
Suspension of Constitution and Government by military
3. Lebanon
Severe and prolonged economic depression
4. Tunisia
Suspension of Parliament by President
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation
Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: There is no confirmed report of China establishing a permanent military base in Chad. China has increased its influence in Africa through economic investments and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects but not through a military base in Chad. The only confirmed Chinese overseas military base is in Djibouti.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: In September 2021 Guinea’s military staged a coup by overthrowing President Alpha Condé and suspending the constitution and government. The coup was led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya citing political instability, corruption, and economic issues.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Lebanon has been facing a deep economic crisis since 2019, marked by: Hyperinflation and currency collapse, mass unemployment, energy and food shortages, Political instability. The World Bank described Lebanon’s crisis as one of the worst economic collapses since the 19th century.
Pair 4 is correctly matched: In July 2021 Tunisia’s President Kais Saied suspended the Parliament and dismissed the Prime Minister citing emergency powers due to political and economic instability.In 2022, a new constitution was introduced which further consolidating Saied’s power and reducing parliamentary authority.
UPSC 2022International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q37. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?
Explanation
The Senkaku Islands (called "Diaoyu Islands" by China) are a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea which is controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan. The islands are located northeast of Taiwan, east of China, and southwest of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture. They cover around 7 square kilometers and are strategically important due to their rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves. Japan claims it incorporated the islands in 1895 considering them terra nullius (land belonging to no one). China claims historical sovereignty over the islands, citing maps and records dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Taiwan also claims the islands and refers to them as Tiaoyutai.
UPSC 2021International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q38. Consider the following statements: 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Global Ocean Commission (GOC) does not grant licenses for seabed mining. The Inter-national Seabed Authority (ISA) established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is responsible for granting licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
Statement 2 is correct: India has been granted licenses by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. India has received a contract to explore polymetallic sulfides in the Indian Ocean Ridge. The Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) are leading the project.
Statement 3 is correct: Rare earth elements (REEs) are found in deep-sea sediments, polymetallic nodules, and hydrothermal vents in international waters. These include elements like neo-dymium, yttrium, and dysprosium, which are essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries.
UPSC 2020International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q39. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
Explanation
The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an international forum consisting of 19 countries, African Union and the European Union. It represents the world’s largest economies, including both industrialized and developing nations. The G20 focuses on global economic issues, financial stability, and sustainable devel-opment. G20 Member Countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada; China, France, Germany, India; Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, United States, Europe-an Union and African Union.
Option (a) is correct: Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey all are members of G20
Option (b) is incorrect: Malaysia and New Zealand are not a part of G20
Option (c) is incorrect: Iran & Vietnam are not a part of G20
Option (d) is incorrect: Singapore is not a member of G20.
UPSC 2020International Relations and Current Affairs · International Relations
Q40. Consider the following statements: 1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2. "Textile and textile articles" constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: While India-Sri Lanka trade has grown over time but it has not shown consistent growth every year. Trade fluctuated due to factors such as economic slow-downs, policy changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statement 2 is correct: Textiles and textile articles form a major component of India’s exports to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a leading global exporter of garments, and it imports raw materials (cotton, yarn, and fabric) from India for its textile and apparel industry. Textiles and made-ups account for 56% of Indian imports from Bangladesh.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Bangladesh, not Nepal, has been In-dia’s largest trading partner in South Asia over the past five years. In the fiscal year 2022-23 India’s exports to Bangladesh were valued at US$ 13.84 billion which makes it one of India’s top export destinations.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
31
2022
(d) 1, 2 and 3
32
2022
(c) 1, 3 and 4
33
2022
(a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
34
2022
(c) Both 1 and 2
35
2022
(b) Only two pairs
36
2022
(c) Only three pairs
37
2022
(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea.
38
2021
(b) 2 and 3 only
39
2020
(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
40
2020
(b) 2 only
What UPSC has tested in International Relations
The Global Competitiveness Report and Global Gender Gap Index are published by the World Economic Forum; the Global Financial Stability Report is prepared by the IMF.
The Global Economic Prospects report is issued by the World Bank; the Rule of Law Index is released by the World Justice Project.
The ILO Conventions 138 and 182 relate to child labour.
Iran is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a data protection law of the European Union.
Chabahar Port gives India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without depending on Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on International Relations?
This page covers 91 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on International Relations (International Relations and Current Affairs), asked from 2011 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Who publishes the Global Competitiveness Report?
The World Economic Forum. It also publishes the Global Gender Gap Index. Rankings from other bodies, such as the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects and the IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report, are often asked together to test whether you can match the report to its publisher.
Which Gulf country is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council?
Iran. The GCC has six members: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Iran lies on the other side of the Gulf and has never been a member.
What are ILO Conventions 138 and 182?
Conventions on child labour. Convention 138 sets a minimum age for admission to employment, and Convention 182 calls for the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Both have been ratified by India.
Why is Chabahar Port important to India?
It lets India reach Afghanistan and Central Asia by sea and road through Iran, bypassing Pakistan. India is developing the port’s Shahid Beheshti terminal, and it links to the International North-South Transport Corridor.
