UPSC 2015 International Relations and Current Affairs Questions with Answers
16 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on International Relations and Current Affairs in the UPSC 2015 Prelims. Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 11–16 of 16 questions
Browse International Relations and Current Affairs chapters
UPSC 2015International Relations and Current Affairs · Current Affairs
Q11. The term IndARC, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of
Explanation
IndARC is India’s underwater observatory in the Arctic, established for long-term climate and oceanographic research. It monitors water temperature, salinity, ocean currents, and marine life, providing crucial data on climate change and Arctic ecosystems. Despite its geographic distance, India recognizes the Arctic’s global climate impact and its relevance to the Indian subcontinent. IndARC underscores India’s commitment to Arctic research, aiding climate predictions, policy decisions, and global scientific collaboration.
UPSC 2015International Relations and Current Affairs · Current Affairs
Q12. Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?
Explanation
Following approval by the Union Cabinet on February 20, 2014, the Odia (Odia) language became the country’s sixth classical language. Odia (Oriya) is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in Odisha and one of six classical languages of India, recognized for its rich literary and cultural heritage. Its history dates back to the ancient Kalinga kingdom, with inscriptions from the 10th century and a literary tradition spanning over a thousand years. Sarala Dasa, a medieval poet, is renowned for his Odia Mahabharata, a landmark literary work.
Additional insight:
In 2024, Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali and Prakrit were also given status of classical language by Cabinet on recommendation of the Language Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry of Culture and Sahitya Academy. Criteria for Classical Language Status in India Recorded history of over 1,000 years. Substantial body of ancient literature. Independent literary tradition, not derived from any other language. Distinct vocabulary, though it may have borrowings or influences from other languages.
UPSC 2015International Relations and Current Affairs · Current Affairs
Q13. Which one of the following issues the ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report periodically?
Explanation
The World Bank is the publisher of the Global Economic Prospects report, a flagship publication that provides comprehensive analyses of the global economic landscape. This report is released twice a year, typically in January and June, and offers in-depth assessments of current economic conditions, emerging trends, and potential risks to the global economy. It serves as a key resource for policymakers,
UPSC 2015International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q14. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is granted to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation linked to that location. Banaras Brocades and Sarees (GI Tag - 2009): Famous for intricate Zari and silk weaving, these sarees are handwoven in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Tirupati Laddu (GI Tag - 2009): This prasadam from the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh is known for its unique recipe and religious significance. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma is incorrect: It is a traditional Rajasthani dish but has not been granted a GI tag.
UPSC 2015International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q15. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarma- ment and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?
Explanation
In 2014, the award was conferred upon ISRO for its remarkable achievements in space technology and its role in scientific advancement and national development. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development is awarded annually for exemplary contributions to peace, sustainable development, and scientific progress. ISRO continues to make strides in space technology, with projects like Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, and Aditya-L1. The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was a key factor in ISRO receiving this award, making India the first country to reach Mars in its maiden attempt and at a low cost.
UPSC 2015International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q16. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the:
Explanation
The Planning Commission, which followed a centralized economic planning model, was replaced by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) on January 1, 2015. NITI Aayog is leading initiatives like Aspirational Districts Programme, Atal Innovation Mission, and National Data and Analytics Platform. NITI Aayog emphasizes ‘cooperative federalism’, where states are given more autonomy in policy-making. Unlike the Planning Commission, which imposed five-year plans, NITI Aayog focuses on long-term policy strategies, innovation, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). It functions as India’s premier policy think tank and promotes digital governance, social sector reforms, and economic competitiveness.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2015
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region
12
2015
(a) Odia
13
2015
(d) The World Bank
14
2015
(c) 1 and 3 only
15
2015
(c) Indian Space Research Organization
16
2015
(d) Planning Commission
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on International Relations and Current Affairs?
This page covers 16 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on International Relations and Current Affairs in the UPSC 2015 Prelims, asked from 2011 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for International Relations and Current Affairs?
Questions on International Relations and Current Affairs in the UPSC 2015 Prelims are available for 14 years, from 2011 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
