Daily Prelims MCQs — International Relation — 18th July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the International Relation — crafted specially for the UPSC Prelims! These questions aren’t just a quiz — they’re a smart way to see how current affairs connect with core concepts, just like UPSC asks in the exam.
Each question is based on recent news and backed by clear explanations to help you build strong links between dynamic events and static knowledge.
Today’s topics include: India - Namibia relations, Myanmar shares borders, Buddhist monastery, island of Ischia, Yangtze River and more...
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
Regarding the growing bonds between India and Namibia, evaluate the following statements:
Both countries experienced colonial rule and have since fostered a strong post‑independence partnership.
During Namibia’s liberation movement against apartheid South Africa, India provided material support and military training to Namibian freedom fighters.
India’s investments in Namibia—estimated at around US $800 million—are primarily concentrated in mineral extraction and processing sectors, such as zinc and diamonds.
How many of these statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (c)
Explanation:
On July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Namibia, marking the final leg of his five-country Global South outreach tour. This visit was historic as it was the first time in nearly three decades that an Indian Prime Minister visited the resource-rich southern African nation. The primary aim of this trip was to reinforce bilateral cooperation in sectors such as technology, healthcare, infrastructure, development, and security.— India and Namibia have a shared colonial history and a robust postcolonial partnership. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
India has supported Namibia’s independence movement since as early as 1946 by raising the issue at the United Nations General Assembly. In 1986, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO)—which led the liberation movement—established its first embassy in New Delhi. India also provided military training and material support to Namibian freedom fighters during their struggle against apartheid South Africa. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
After Namibia gained independence in March 1990, India’s Observer Mission became a High Commission, and Namibia opened its permanent mission in New Delhi in March 1994. Namibia is the world’s third-largest producer of uranium and a key source of lithium, zinc, and rare earth elements. As per India’s Ministry of External Affairs, India’s total investments in Namibia are around USD 800 million, primarily directed toward the mineral sector, including zinc and diamond processing. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
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QUESTION 2
Which of the following Indian states share a border with Myanmar?
Nagaland
Mizoram
Tripura
Arunachal Pradesh
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Recently, the Chin State of Myanmar has witnessed a surge in conflict, prompting approximately 4,000 refugees to flee into Mizoram, India.
Since July 2, two anti-junta groups—Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and Chinland Defence Force (CDF) Hualnogram—have been involved in active fighting in the region.
Consequently, people from Chin State have taken refuge in the Champhai district of Mizoram.
Myanmar shares its border with four Indian states:
Arunachal Pradesh
Nagaland
Manipur
Mizoram
Among the options given in the question, Tripura does not share a boundary with Myanmar.
Hence, only three of the listed states—Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh—border Myanmar.
QUESTION 3
An airstrike that reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 23 civilians occurred at a Buddhist monastery situated in Sagaing township. This location is part of which country?
(a) Myanmar
(b) Philippines
(c) Taiwan
(d) Cambodia
Answer (a)
Explanation:
As per reports from local resistance organizations and media sources, a devastating airstrike struck a Buddhist monastery in central Myanmar, leading to the deaths of at least 23 individuals who had taken shelter there.
The incident occurred in Lin Ta Lu village, located within Sagaing township, which lies approximately 35 km northwest of Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city.
This event highlights the ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar, particularly in regions like Sagaing, which have seen repeated violence involving the military and resistance forces.
QUESTION 4
The island of Ischia, recently featured in the news due to archaeological discoveries, belongs to which of the following countries?
(a) Austria
(b) Italy
(c) France
(d) Slovenia
Answer (b)
Explanation:
A forgotten Roman city, known as Aenaria, is being brought back into public awareness thanks to ongoing archaeological efforts off the coast of Ischia, a picturesque island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Long dismissed as legend, the submerged city is now being rediscovered through underwater excavations.
Located just beneath the sea’s surface, these ancient ruins offer a rare glimpse into Roman-era maritime life. Tourists can explore the site through glass-bottom boat rides or snorkeling excursions, revealing remnants such as stone-built quays, Roman artifacts, and submerged architectural structures.
QUESTION 5
Which country has recently taken significant ecological steps by dismantling 300 dams and decommissioning the majority of its small hydropower plants on a key tributary of the Yangtze River to revive fish populations and improve riverine ecosystems?
(a) India
(b) Russia
(c) China
(d) Japan
Answer (c)
Explanation:
In a major environmental restoration initiative, China has undertaken the demolition of 300 out of 357 dams and the closure of 342 out of 373 small hydropower stations along the Chishui He, also known as the Red River. This 400-kilometre-long river flows through the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan.
The effort, reported by Xinhua and cited in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), is expected to be completed by December 2024. The primary aim is to restore fish habitats, enhance biodiversity, and improve the health of the river system, particularly in the upper Yangtze basin.
The Red River is considered one of the last refuges for endangered native fish species in the region. Historically, the proliferation of dams and power plants in the area disrupted natural water flow and obstructed fish migration, severely affecting aquatic breeding grounds.
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