Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026? A rigorous revision of International Relations is crucial for success. This subject-wise quiz, modeled on the popular UPSC Essentials initiative, is designed to help you assess your grasp on vital static syllabus topics and contemporary global events. From energy cartels to European economic unions and recent military actions, this quiz covers a wide spectrum. Let's dive in and check your progress.
Question 1: The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Consider the following statements about OPEC:
- It is a permanent intergovernmental Organisation.
- Venezuela is a founding member of OPEC.
- The Secretariat of OPEC is located in Baghdad.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation and Answer:
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) stands as a pivotal entity in global energy politics. Established during the Baghdad Conference held from September 10 to 14, 1960, its founding members were Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate.
The primary mission of OPEC is to harmonize and unify petroleum policies among its member nations. This coordination aims to ensure stable and equitable prices for oil producers, a reliable supply for consuming countries, and a reasonable return on investment for the industry.
While founded in Baghdad, OPEC's Secretariat was initially set up in Geneva, Switzerland. It was later relocated to Vienna, Austria, in 1965, where it remains headquartered today. Consequently, statement 3 is incorrect.
Correct Answer: (b) Only two.
Question 2: A Key US Ally in South America
Identify the country based on these clues:
- It has been a major US ally and its closest security partner in South America for the past quarter-century.
- The United States is its largest trading partner, accounting for 34% of its total trade.
- Major exports include coffee and roses.
Explanation and Answer:
The description perfectly fits Colombia. The US-Colombia relationship has been fortified over decades, particularly through security cooperation and the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement enacted in 2012. This pact solidified the US's position as Colombia's top trading partner.
Beyond the traditional exports of coffee and roses, Colombia is also a significant supplier of crude oil to the United States. However, the nation is concurrently known as the world's leading producer of cocaine, derived from the coca plant. US assistance in Colombia's war on drugs has seen mixed results, with coca cultivation persisting despite reductions in political violence.
Correct Answer: (d) Colombia.
Question 3: Facts About the Nobel Peace Prize
With reference to the Nobel Peace Prize, consider these statements:
- A Nobel Peace Prize can be revoked, shared, or transferred to others.
- The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 has been awarded to Maria Corina Machado.
Explanation and Answer:
The rules governing the prestigious Nobel Prize are strict and clear. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, the awarding body for the Peace Prize, has explicitly stated that a Nobel Prize cannot be revoked, shared after award, or transferred to another individual. Once bestowed, the award is permanent and non-divisible in terms of ownership. Hence, statement 1 is false.
In a recent development, Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado was indeed named the Nobel Peace Prize laureate for 2025. The clarification from the Nobel Committee came after she expressed an intention to share the honor with the US President, highlighting the inviolable nature of the award's rules. Therefore, statement 2 is true.
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only.
Question 4: Understanding Operation Hawkeye Strike
The Operation Hawkeye Strike is an ongoing retaliatory military action by:
Explanation and Answer:
Operation Hawkeye Strike refers to a series of large-scale air strikes conducted by the United States and its allied forces. The target of this operation was the Islamic State (IS) group infrastructure across Syria.
This military action was authorized by the US leadership as a direct response to a deadly attack claimed by IS on US forces stationed in Palmyra in December 2025. The operation underscores the continued US involvement in counter-terrorism efforts in West Asia.
Correct Answer: (c) US against the Islamic State (IS) group targets across Syria.
Question 5: Demystifying the Eurozone
Consider the following statements about the 'eurozone':
- It refers to EU members that have fully adopted the euro as their official currency.
- All EU member states are eligible to join the eurozone.
- It was established by the Maastricht Treaty of 1992.
Explanation and Answer:
The eurozone, formally known as the euro area, is the group of countries within the European Union that have integrated the euro (€) as their sole legal tender. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
The foundational framework for the eurozone was laid by the Maastricht Treaty (1992), which established the European Union and outlined the path for an Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), a common currency (the euro), and a unified central banking system (the European Central Bank). Hence, statement 3 is correct.
While most EU members are required to eventually join the eurozone upon meeting strict economic 'convergence criteria', Denmark has a formal opt-out clause and is not obligated to adopt the euro. Therefore, the claim that *all* EU states are eligible is technically true, but the statement is misleading as it ignores the compulsory nature for most versus Denmark's unique status. In the context of UPSC MCQs, which test precise knowledge, statement 2 is considered incorrect.
Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why This Revision Matters for UPSC Aspirants
This quiz encapsulates the diverse nature of International Relations questions in the UPSC Prelims. It tests a blend of static knowledge (like OPEC's founding, Eurozone rules) and current affairs (like recent Nobel laureates and military operations). Success in this section requires a consistent study routine that marries core concepts from books with daily news analysis. Regularly attempting such subject-wise quizzes is an excellent strategy to identify weak areas, reinforce facts, and build the speed and accuracy needed to crack one of India's most challenging competitive exams.
