Prepare effectively for the UPSC Prelims with targeted topic-wise questions on Current Affairs, specifically focusing on International Affairs. This specialized resource is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of global events, diplomatic relations, and international developments relevant to the exam. Dive into a curated selection of questions meticulously crafted to deepen your understanding of key issues shaping the international landscape. From geopolitical tensions to economic partnerships and humanitarian crises, these questions offer valuable insights and practice to enhance your preparation. With clear explanations and contextual relevance, this resource equips aspirants with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to tackle Current Affairs questions confidently. Whether you’re revisiting recent events or exploring emerging trends, these questions serve as a valuable tool to strengthen your grasp on International Affairs and excel in the UPSC Prelims exam.
Q1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists. (1995)
| List I | List II |
| A. Ernesto Zediollo | 1. Uruguay |
| B. Alberto Fujimori | 2. Brazil |
| C. Julio Maria Sanguinetti | 3. Mexico |
| D. Fernando H. Cadoso | 4. Bolivia |
| 5. Peru |
Codes
A B C D
(a) 3 5 1 2
(b) 4 5 3 1
(c) 3 4 4 2
(d) 5 3 1 4
Ans. (a)
The correct matching is indeed:
A-3. Emesto Zedillo: President of Mexico from December 1, 1994, to November 30, 2000.
B-6. Alberto Fujimori: President of Peru from July 28, 1990, to November 22, 2000. Often described as a dictator.
C-1. Julio Maria Sanguinetti: President of Uruguay from March 1985 to March 1990 and again from March 1995 to March 2000.
D-2. Fernando H. Cardoso: 34th President of Brazil from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2002. He was the first Brazilian President to be reelected for a subsequent term.
Q2. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 hit the planet (1995)
(a) Pluto
(b) Mars
(c) Jupiter
(d) Saturn
Ans. (c)
The explanation is correct. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 did indeed collide with the planet Jupiter. Discovered by Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker along with David Levy on March 24, 1994, the comet fragmented in July 1992 before impacting Jupiter in July 1994. This event provided scientists with the first direct observation of an extraterrestrial collision between solar system objects.
Additionally, as per NASA, the current count of known comets in our solar system stands at 3743. While the possibility of a comet or asteroid impact on Earth exists, the probability is considered to be very low.
Q3.A major health mission carried out in 1996 was (1997)
(a) war against leprosy
(b) small-pox eradication
(c) Pulse Polio Inmmusnisation
(d) popularisation of oral dehydration theraphy
Ans. (c)
A major health mission undertaken in 1996 aimed to make India polio-free. The Pulse Polio Immunization Drive was initiated with the objective of achieving 100% coverage under the Oral Polio Vaccine. This campaign was instrumental in eradicating polio entirely from India. India was certified as polio-free along with the entire South-East Asia region on March 27, 2014.
Presently, India is conducting campaigns for COVID-19 vaccinations to combat and eventually eradicate the coronavirus disease in the country.
Q4.In which one of the following country will the no confidence motion to bring down the government passed by the simultaneously a majority to elect successor government? (1997)
(a) France
(b) Germany
(c) Italy
(d) Portugal
Ans. (b)
In 1997, the process of a no-confidence motion to bring down the government was indeed passed in Germany. A no-confidence motion is essentially a vote or endorsement indicating that an individual or group is deemed unfit to hold a position of responsibility, often due to perceived inadequacies.
More recently, in April 2022, a no-confidence motion was indeed passed against Imran Khan, resulting in his removal as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Q5. Proportional representation is not necessary in a country where (1997)
(a) there are no reserved constituencies
(b) a two-party system has developed
(c) the first past-post system prevails
(d) there is a fusion of presidential and parliamentary forms of government
Ans. (b)
Proportional representation (PR) is indeed not deemed necessary in a country where a two-party system has developed. Proportional representation refers to an electoral system wherein subgroups of an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body. It primarily pertains to the geographical and political division of an electorate. PR becomes essential in nations with a multi-party system to represent the interests of minority groups.
In a two-party system, individuals have a clear choice between two options, and the defeated party typically assumes the position of the opposition. As of 2022, the proportional representation system is widely implemented in democratic countries with multi-party systems such as India.
Q6. The economic and monetary union of 15 European countries is proposed to be made by 1999. But the currencies of two countries, franc, have already the same value and circulate freely in both the countries. The countries are (1997)
(a) France and Switzerland
(b) Switzerland and Luxemburg
(c) Luxemburg and Belgium
(d) France and Belgium
Ans. (c)
Luxembourg and Belgium indeed shared the currency Franc, which had the same value and was freely circulating between the two countries in 1997. The Franc is a monetary unit used in several countries, notably Switzerland, most French territories, and former Belgian overseas territories.
However, after the introduction of the Euro in 1999, Luxembourg and Belgium ceased using the Franc as their currency. Both countries adopted the Euro as their official currency, discontinuing the use of the Franc.
Q7. The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was due to (1998)
(a) collision with a Soyuz Cargo Ship
(b) faulty material design of the Spektr Module
(c) explosion inside the space station
(d) collision with an asteroid
Ans. (a)
The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was indeed caused by a collision with a Soyuz Cargo Ship.
The Spektr module, also known as Spectrum, served as the fifth major component of the Mir Space Station. It was launched in 1995 and remained fully operational until 1997. The spacecraft was originally developed for a classified military program called ‘Oktant’ by the Soviet Ministry of Defense.
Within the ‘Oktant’ program, the Ministry of Defense planned a series of space surveillance experiments and technology tests for antimissile defense. The Spektr module housed surveillance instruments and launch containers for artificial targets on its exterior, while a control station was established inside for trained researchers. Additionally, an experimental optical telescope named ‘Pion’ formed the core of the Spektr’s payload.
Q8. Assertion (A): The United States of America has threatened to ask the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to apply sanctions against the developing countries for the non-observance of ILO convention. Reason (R): The United States of America itself has adopted and implemented those ILO conventions. (1998)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (b)
Both statements A and R are indeed true, but R does not provide the correct explanation for A.
Statement A: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is not widely recognized in the USA, and it operates within its own context.
Statement R: All WTO agreements contain special provisions for developing countries, including longer periods to implement agreements and commitments, measures to increase trading opportunities, and support to help them build the infrastructure for WTO work, handle disputes, and implement technical standards.
While both statements are accurate, the fact that the ILO is not well-known in the USA does not directly explain the special provisions for developing countries in WTO agreements. These provisions are designed to address the unique challenges and needs of developing countries within the WTO framework, irrespective of the level of recognition of organizations like the ILO in specific countries.
Q9. World Environment Conference to discuss global warming was held in 1997 in (1998)
(a) Stockholm
(b) Riodejaneiro
(c) Paris
(d) Kyoto
Ans. (d)
The 1997 World Environment Conference held in Kyoto, Japan, was a pivotal event in addressing global warming. With representation from over a hundred states, the conference aimed to tackle the environmental challenges stemming from socio-economic development.
In 2022, Sweden has taken the helm as the host country for World Environment Day. This year holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural 1972 Stockholm conference on the environment.
Q10. The economic crisis in the later half of 1990s most seriously affected Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea. (1999)
The cause of the crisis was
(a) mismanagement of the financial resources and financial sector, in general.
(b) the prolonged over-valuation of local currencies vis-vis the Western currencies.
(c) the downswing and recession in the Western economies which earlier provided export market oriented countries.
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a)
The economic downturn in the latter half of the 1990s, primarily impacting Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea, stemmed from financial mismanagement and systemic issues in the financial sector. Known as the Asian financial crisis, this turmoil extended its reach across much of East Asia and Southeast Asia. It initially manifested as a currency crisis when Bangkok untethered the Thai baht, triggering a significant capital flight.
In addition to the Asian financial crisis, the world has witnessed other notable financial upheavals such as the 2001 Argentine economic crisis, the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, and the 2014 Russian financial crisis.
As of 2022, Sri Lanka faces significant economic challenges due to its default on payments, contributing to a substantial multimillion-dollar economic burden.
Q11. The reason for Chechnya to be in the news recently is (2004)
(a) discovery of huge reserves of oil
(b) separatist rebellious activities by the local people
(c) continuous conflict between the government troops and the narcotic mafia resulting in a great loss of human life
(d) intense cold wave killing hundreds of people
Ans. (b)
Recent news concerning Chechnya has primarily revolved around the separatist rebellions staged by local residents against the Russian Government. As a republic of Russia situated in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe, Chechnya has been embroiled in debates over independence since 1992, sparking a limited civil war where Russian forces clandestinely sought to depose the government of Dzokhar Dudayev. The first Chechen war erupted in 1994 when Russian troops intervened to restore constitutional order.
In 2022, a notable development emerged as individuals from Chechnya volunteered to join Ukrainian forces in their conflict against the Russian government in the Ukraine-Russia War. This event adds another layer to the ongoing conflicts involving the region.
Q12. More than 40 Heads of States/Governments were invited by Vladimir Putin in May, 2003 to (2004)
(a) discuss the issues related to the rehabilitation of Iraq.
(b) celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St. Petersburg.
(c) convene a meeting of European and CIS countries to discuss the issue of missile shield for European and CIS countries.
(d) develop the strategies for containing global terrorism.
Ans. (b)
Over 40 Heads of State and Government convened in May 2003 to commemorate the tricentenary of the city of St. Petersburg, a renowned hub of cultural, historical, and architectural significance. St. Petersburg holds an unofficial status as Russia’s cultural capital and is often likened to European cities for its allure. The tricentenary celebrations unfolded in May 2003, highlighting the city’s rich heritage.
However, as of 2022, Russia faces global condemnation for its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia War, with the international community unified in its criticism of Russia’s actions.
Q13. In which one of the following countries did hundreds of people die in year 2004 as a result of flooding and mudslides triggered by Tropical Storm Jeanne? (2005)
(a) Columbia
(b) Haiti
(c) Sudan
(d) Ghana
Ans. (b)
In 2004, Haiti suffered significant loss of life due to flooding and mudslides caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne, which was upgraded to a category hurricane. Hurricane Jeanne’s impact was devastating, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the Caribbean and the East United States in September 2004.
As of 2022, a series of hurricanes including Sandy, Amphan, Delta, and Maria have continued to wreak havoc, claiming countless lives and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
Q14. Berber speaking community, frequently in the news, lives in (2002)
(a) Afghanistan
(d) Australia
(c) Argentina
(b) Algeria
Ans. (b)
The Berber-speaking community resides across Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Mali, and Egypt. They are dispersed across these regions and communicate through a diverse array of languages, all of which belong to the fascinating Afro-Asiatic language family, with linguistic ties to ancient Egypt.
Q15. Consider the following countries. (2002)
1. Angola
2. Colombia
3. Congo
4. Sudan
Which of these countrie(s) has/have been suffering from Civil War?
(a) Only 1
(b) Both 2 and 3
(c) Only 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (d)
As of 2002, several countries were embroiled in Civil Wars, internal conflicts pitting groups of people within the same country against each other.
The Civil War in Angola erupted in 1975 and persisted until 2002. In Colombia, the Civil War commenced in 1964 and continues to afflict the nation today. Congo experienced a Civil War from 1996 to 1997, recognized as Africa’s First World War. Sudan grappled with a Civil War from 1983 to 2005.
Moving to 2022, Yemen has borne the brunt of severe Civil Wars, along with Iraq, Libya, Syria, and other nations, facing profound impacts from internal conflicts.
Q16. The main reason for unrest and violence in Zimbabwe in recent years is due to (2002)
(a) conflict between different native ethnic groups
(b) prolonged crisis over land reforms
(c) economic crisis due to continuous drought and famine
(d) power struggle between political groups of white European settlers and native black community
Ans. (c)
The recent unrest and violence in Zimbabwe during the years 2001-2002 can be attributed to the economic crisis exacerbated by continuous drought and famine. Historically, Zimbabwe has grappled with poverty and severe economic challenges. Situated in the Eastern region, Zimbabwe experiences limited rainfall during its dry seasons, rendering it vulnerable to drought. With its economy heavily reliant on agriculture, drought conditions lead to reduced or negligible agricultural output, precipitating economic decline.
Between 2011 and 2020, the poverty rate in Zimbabwe exhibited a steady increase, reaching 40% by 2022.
Q17. Which one among the following countries has the lowest GDP per capita? (2003)
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Indonesia
(d) Sri Lanka
Ans. (b)
As of 2022, India maintains the lowest GDP per capita when compared to other countries. GDP per capita is calculated by dividing the total GDP (which includes the value of all goods and services produced, plus any product taxes, minus subsidies) by the mid-year population. India’s per capita GDP stands at 19,071, reflecting its position with the lowest GDP per capita among nations.
Q18. Which one of the of the following countries is the first country in the world to propose a carbon tax for its perople to address global warming? (2006)
(a) Australia
(b) Germany
(c) Japan
(d) New Zealand
Ans. (d)
New Zealand stands out as a pioneer in combating carbon emissions by implementing a carbon tax, specifically targeting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It was the first country globally to propose such a measure aimed at addressing the pressing issue of global warming. This tax is levied on energy sources known for emitting high levels of carbon, including coal, petroleum, and gas.
As of April 2021, numerous countries have followed suit, introducing their own carbon tax policies. Notably, Sweden has taken a significant step in this direction, imposing a carbon tax of 1371 US dollars per metric ton of CO2 emitted, demonstrating a concerted effort to mitigate climate change on a global scale.
Q19. What is Medicines Sans Frontiers(MSF)? (2006)
(a) An agency formed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to check misuse of the drugs by sportspersons.
(b) A non-governmental organisation which specialises in international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance.
(c) An organisation to develop applications of nanotechnology in medicine.
(d) An organisation of medical practitioners funded by the European Union which carries out research against spread of AIDS.
Ans. (b)
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian medical organization that operates independently of government influence. It is renowned for its efforts in providing medical assistance in war-torn regions and developing countries grappling with endemic diseases. Founded in France, the organization is widely recognized around the world by its acronym, MSF.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions to peace and humanitarian efforts, MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
Q20. Where is Bundala Biosphere Reserve which has been recently added to the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) network located? (2006)
(a) Russia
(b) India
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Bangladesh
Ans. (c)
Bundala Biosphere Reserve, recently included in UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) network, is situated along the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Encompassing the core area of Bundala Biosphere National Park, it features a brackish water lagoon and stands as Sri Lanka’s sole coastal biosphere reserve.
In 2022, the global count of biosphere reserves stands at 686 spread across 122 countries, with 20 of them being transboundary sites. India contributes to this network with 18 biosphere reserves, 12 of which are integrated into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
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