International Relations and Current Affairs: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The CDS serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), ensuring coordination and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This role is a key responsibility of the CDS.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The CDS does not have direct military command over the three service chiefs (Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff). Each Service Chief retains operational command over their respective force. Instead, the CDS acts as a coordinator and advisor to ensure jointness and integration across the services.

Statement 3 is correct: The CDS acts as the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister, specifically on tri-service (joint military) matters, while individual Service Chiefs advise on service-specific issues. This is one of the primary roles of the CDS.

Explanation

In 1998, the Northern Command of the Indian Army launched Operation Sadbhavana to address the challenges posed by terrorism and assist in rebuilding the socioeconomic fabric of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Army acts as a facilitator for development projects, identified collaboratively with the state administration and local communities, focusing on village-level initiatives. This operation aims to uplift remote populations by improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community development. Through these efforts, Operation Sadbhavana seeks to foster goodwill, empower local communities, and promote their integration into the national mainstream.

Explanation

Correctly matched equivalent rank in the three services of Indian Defence force are given below:

Army Airforce Navy

1. Brigadier Air Commodore Commodore

2. Major General Air Vice Marshal Rear Admiral

3. Major Squadron Leader Lieutenant Commander

4. Lieutenant Colonel Commander Wing Commander

Explanation

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, is the author of the books "The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World" and "Why Bharat Matters". "The India Way" (2020) explores India’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing global order, emphasizing strategic autonomy and diplomacy. "Why Bharat Matters" (2024) discusses India’s evolving global role, economic progress, and strategic challenges.

Explanation

Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, per-formed during Navratri to honor Goddess Durga. It is characterized by graceful circular movements, rhythmic claps, and vibrant attire, often accompanied by live music and devotional songs. The dance symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and devotion to the divine. In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed Garba on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural, spiritual, and artistic significance. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Chhau Dance is a semi-classical Indian dance form that blends elements of martial arts, folk traditions, and storytelling. It is primarily performed in the eastern states of India--Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal--and is often associated with religious themes, mythological narratives, and heroic tales. UNESCO inscribed Chhau Dance in 2010 on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Durga Puja is a grand Hindu festival, primarily celebrated in West Bengal and eastern India, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. It is marked by elaborate rituals, artistic pandals, cultural performances, and community feasts. In 2021, UNESCO recognized Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its artistic and cultural significance. The festival blends devotion, creativity, and social harmony, attracting millions of devotees and tourists each year. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held at four sacred riverbanks in Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Nashik, and Ujjain in India. It is celebrated in a 12-year cycle, with the Purna Kumbh occurring every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh every 6 years. Devotees gather to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers, believing it cleanses them of sins and grants salvation. In 2017, UNESCO inscribed Kumbh Mela on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its deep spiritual and cultural significance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care (ANC) services only during pregnancy (second and third trimesters). However, it does not provide health care services for six months post-delivery.

Statement 2 is correct: Under PMSMA, private sector doctors (specialists like gynecologists, radiologists, and physicians) can volunteer to provide free maternal health services at government health facilities on the 9th of every month. This public-private partnership aims to improve access to quality maternal health services.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The correct age group for enrollment is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40 years.

Statement 2 is correct: The contribution varies based on the age of the beneficiary at the time of joining the scheme. For example, an 18-year-old contributes 55 per month, while a 40-year-old contributes 200 per month.

Statement 3 is correct: After attaining 60 years of age, the subscriber is entitled to a monthly pension of ‘3,000.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Family pension is applicable only to the spouse (50% of the pension amount, i.e., ‘1,500 per month after the subscriber’s death). Unmarried daughters are not included in the family pension provision.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar is the first greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh. The airport is suitable for all weather day operations.

Option 2 is correct: Since 2019, nearly 6 Greenfield airports namely, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Itanagar, Kushinagar and Mopa have been operationalised, out of which Kushinagar and Mopa airports are International airports.

Option 3 is incorrect: Airport Authority of India has undertaken development/ expansion of airports in Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Vijayawada and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Itanagar and Tezu (Arunachal Pradesh). Thus, Vijayawada airport is not a greenfield project.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: The Donbas region in eastern Ukraine includes Donetsk and Luhansk, which border Russia. These areas host the Russia-backed separatist entities, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Re-public (LPR). Collectively, the entire region, including these territories, is referred to as Donbas.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Kachin Region lies in the northern part of Myanmar. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been fighting against Myanmar’s military for greater autonomy.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Tigray is not located in North Yemen. It is a region in northern Ethiopia where a conflict erupted in November 2020 between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: North Kivu and Ituri are located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In these two provinces a "State of Siege" was declared in response to escalating violence.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked, mountainous region at the heart of a long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and its predominantly Armenian population, which is backed by neighboring Armenia. Although internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, the region remains a source of ongoing dispute.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Russia has disclosed voting results indicating significant backing from four Ukrainian provinces-- Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson to unite with Russia.