SSC CGL (Prelims) General: International Relations questions with solutions

Q1. The naval exercise ‘Varuna’ is conducted between India and which country?

1. Australia
2. Japan
3. France
4. Indonesia

Answer: France

Exercise Varuna is the bilateral naval exercise between India and France. It is conducted regularly to strengthen maritime cooperation.

Q2. India and Bhutan mainly coordinate on hydropower development and management of shared river systems through which bilateral arrangement?

1. India – Bhutan Energy Dialogue
2. Joint Group of Experts on Hydropower
3. South Asian Power Pool
4. Himalayan River Commission

Answer: Joint Group of Experts on Hydropower

India and Bhutan coordinate hydropower and shared river management through the Joint Group of Experts on Hydropower. This bilateral mechanism addresses technical and developmental issues in the sector.

Q3. Assertion (A): India and China have held multiple rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to ease border tensions since 2020. Reason (R): The Line of Actual Control is clearly demarcated and mutually accepted by both nations.

1. Both A and R are true and R explains A
2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
3. A is true but R is false
4. A is false but R is true

Answer: A is true but R is false

India and China have indeed held multiple rounds of Corps Commander-level talks since 2020 to reduce border tensions, so Assertion (A) is true. However, the Line of Actual Control is not clearly demarcated and mutually accepted by both nations, so Reason (R) is false.

Q4. What is the main objective of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC)?

1. Expansion of military alliances
2. Development of nuclear energy trade
3. Facilitation of faster trade between India, Central Asia and Europe
4. Promotion of tourism in Central Asia

Answer: Facilitation of faster trade between India, Central Asia and Europe

The INSTC is a multimodal transport corridor designed to improve connectivity and reduce trade time and cost between India, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. Its main objective is faster trade facilitation, not military or tourism purposes.

Q5. Which country helped develop Chabahar Port?

1. China
2. India
3. Russia
4. United States

Answer: India

India has helped develop Chabahar Port in Iran as part of its strategic outreach to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port is important for trade and connectivity.

Q6. The primary focus of the Quad is in which region?

1. Europe
2. Africa
3. Indo-Pacific
4. South America

Answer: Indo-Pacific

The Quad is a strategic forum of India, the US, Japan, and Australia. Its main focus is on maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Q7. When was the concept of QUAD first proposed?

1. 2004
2. 2007
3. 2017
4. 2020

Answer: 2007

The concept of the QUAD was first proposed in 2007. It refers to the strategic dialogue among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.