UPSC Quiz: International Relations MCQs on Arab League, Scarborough Shoal, and More
UPSC Quiz: International Relations MCQs for Prelims 2026

UPSC Essentials | Daily Subject-Wise Quiz: International Relations MCQs (Week 148)

Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims 2026? This quiz on International Relations is designed to help you assess your progress and revise crucial static topics effectively. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh, it offers a comprehensive review of key areas in just 7 minutes.

Quiz Overview and Importance

UPSC Essentials presents its initiative of subject-wise quizzes, aimed at aiding aspirants in revising important static syllabus topics. Today's focus is on International Relations, a vital component for Prelims. The quiz includes questions on international institutions, diaspora, current affairs, and territorial disputes, all formatted in the typical UPSC MCQ style to simulate exam conditions.

Question 1: League of Arab States

With reference to the League of Arab States, consider the following statements:

  1. It is an intergovernmental organisation with its seat in Cairo.
  2. It was established following the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in 1944.
  3. It encompasses all Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Relevance: This question tests knowledge of international institutions, a common theme in UPSC Prelims, covering headquarters, foundational documents, and membership.

Explanation: The League of Arab States, headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, was founded on March 22, 1945, after the Alexandria Protocol of 1944. It includes 22 Arab countries from the Middle East and North Africa, such as Algeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Its mandate focuses on enhancing relations and coordinating policies among member states. Therefore, all three statements are correct, making option (d) the right answer.

Question 2: Indian Diaspora and ASEAN Partner

Consider the following statements:

  1. This country has the third-largest Indian diaspora in the world.
  2. It has the second-largest PIO community.
  3. It is an important partner for India in the ASEAN and in the Indo-Pacific region, and a key pillar in India’s Act East Policy.

The above-mentioned statements refer to:

Relevance: This question combines diaspora facts with strategic geography, testing knowledge of India's relations with ASEAN countries and the Act East Policy.

Explanation: Malaysia, with a 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora (third-largest globally) and 2.75 million PIOs (second-largest), is a crucial partner for India in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. It plays a significant role in India's Act East Policy, as highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits. Thus, option (d) is correct.

Question 3: Camel Passport Project

With reference to the Camel Passport project, consider the following statements:

  1. Under the project, the camels will be issued an accredited identification document that verifies the health and regulatory data of each camel in the country.
  2. The project has been launched by the UAE.
  3. The project aims to regulate and enhance the camel market both locally and internationally.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Relevance: This question covers digital identification in livestock management and links to Saudi Vision 2030, relevant for current affairs and economic diversification.

Explanation: The Camel Passport project, launched by Saudi Arabia (not the UAE) under Saudi Vision 2030, issues accredited identification documents for camels to verify health data and aims to regulate and enhance the camel market globally. Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect, making option (b) the answer.

Question 4: Food Security Initiative in Afghanistan

Which of the following organisations is/are implementing a $100 million initiative to bolster food and nutrition security and restore agricultural livelihoods for more than one million vulnerable people across Afghanistan?

  1. Food and Agriculture Organisation
  2. World Bank
  3. Asian Development Bank
  4. New Development Bank

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Relevance: This tests knowledge of humanitarian projects in conflict zones and the roles of multilateral organizations like UN agencies and development banks.

Explanation: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are jointly implementing a $100 million project to support over one million vulnerable people in Afghanistan by restoring agricultural livelihoods and ensuring food security. Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Question 5: Scarborough Shoal Dispute

The "Scarborough Shoal" is a disputed territory primarily between:

Relevance: This question addresses South China Sea disputes, a frequent topic in UPSC Prelims, testing mapping and knowledge of territorial conflicts involving major powers.

Explanation: Scarborough Shoal, located in the South China Sea, is primarily disputed between China and the Philippines, making option (a) the correct answer. This highlights ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion and Further Resources

This quiz provides a valuable tool for UPSC aspirants to reinforce their International Relations knowledge. For more practice, explore previous quizzes on History, Polity, Science, Economy, Environment, and other subjects. Stay updated with the latest UPSC news by subscribing to relevant channels and newsletters for comprehensive exam preparation.