Daily Prelims MCQs - International Relations - 1st August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 1
- 8 min read
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the Polity — 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: bamboo diplomacy, Henley Passport Index 2025, Darfur region, Khorasan, Yazd, and Sistan and Baluchestan, Golden Visa scheme and more...
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
Consider the following statements about the United Nations Security Council (UNSC):
It comprises 10 member states, each having one vote.
The presidency of the Council rotates among members based on the English alphabetical order of their country names.
Each member holding the presidency retains it for a period of three months.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The UNSC consists of 15 members, not 10. This includes 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 non-permanent members, elected for two-year terms. Each of these 15 members has one vote.
Statement 2 is correct: According to Rule 18 of the UNSC’s Provisional Rules of Procedure, the presidency rotates monthly among all 15 members in the English alphabetical order of their official country names.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The term of the presidency is one calendar month, not three months. A new president takes over at the beginning of each month.
QUESTION 2
Identify the country based on the following statements:
It attained independence from French colonial rule in the year 1960.
Much of its post-independence political history has been marked by one-party dominance, repeated military takeovers, and limited success in sustaining democratic regimes.
The nation lies within the Sahel region.
Its administrative and political center is the city of Niamey.
Which country fits this description?
(a) Libya
(b) Chad
(c) Algeria
(d) Niger
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The country in question is Niger, located in West Africa and forming part of the broader Sahel region, a semi-arid belt that stretches across the continent.
Niger achieved independence from France in 1960, and since then, its political trajectory has been turbulent. The nation has witnessed multiple coups, prolonged single-party rule, and an often fragile democratic process.
A significant milestone occurred in 2021, when Bazoum Mohamed was elected president—marking Niger’s first-ever peaceful and democratic transition of power between two elected leaders. Unfortunately, this democratic progress has remained fragile.
The capital city is Niamey, where a recent incident involving Indian nationals brought international attention to the country. Two Indian workers were killed, and one was abducted following a terror-related attack at their place of work.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the number of Indians in Niger has declined—from around 250 in 2023 to approximately 150 in 2024—most of whom are engaged in services, business, or hospitality sectors.
QUESTION 3
The provinces of Khorasan, Yazd, and Sistan and Baluchestan are located in which of the following countries?
(a) Iraq
(b) Afghanistan
(c) Iran
(d) Syria
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Over the past four decades, Afghanistan has experienced prolonged instability—from the Soviet invasion and civil wars to the U.S.-led intervention and the resurgence of the Taliban. These conflicts, combined with severe poverty and recurring natural disasters, have triggered waves of displacement.
Iran, which shares a long border with Afghanistan, has historically served as a key destination for Afghan refugees. Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the rate of cross-border movement surged dramatically, with nearly 20,000 Afghans entering Iran daily at one point.
Many of these refugees, fleeing from cities such as Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, and the Hazara-dominated regions, have settled in eastern and central Iranian provinces, particularly in economically vulnerable neighborhoods.
Notable provinces in Iran where these Afghan communities have concentrated include Razavi Khorasan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Yazd, Tehran, and North and South Khorasan.
Therefore, these provinces—Khorasan, Yazd, and Sistan and Baluchestan—are all located within Iran, making option (c) the correct answer.
QUESTION 4
The Darfur region, which has been prominently featured in recent international news, is located in which of the following countries?
(a) Democratic Republic of the Congo
(b) Tanzania
(c) Kenya
(d) Sudan
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The Darfur region is situated in the western part of Sudan and has long been a flashpoint of conflict and humanitarian crises. In the context of ongoing turmoil, the area has once again drawn attention due to the escalation of Sudan's civil war, now entering its second year.
Recently, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—a powerful paramilitary group—declared the formation of a rival government, operating independently from the central authority. This move has intensified tensions with the Sudanese Army and raised fears of national fragmentation.
The RSF currently holds control over significant portions of western Sudan, including the vast and strategically important Darfur region, while the national army maintains control over key central areas, including parts of Khartoum, the capital.
These developments underscore the deepening divide within Sudan and highlight Darfur’s continuing role in shaping the conflict's trajectory.
QUESTION 5
With reference to the Henley Passport Index 2025, consider the following statements:
The index ranks passports according to how many destinations their holders can access without needing a visa in advance.
Finland holds the topmost position in the 2025 rankings.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners, ranks passports based on the number of countries and territories a passport holder can enter either visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, without the need to secure a visa in advance. The index sources its data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and updates its rankings quarterly.
Statement 2 is incorrect: For 2025, Singapore has secured the top rank, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations worldwide. Japan and South Korea follow closely at second place, with access to 190 destinations.
Finland, along with six other European nations—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Denmark—occupies the third spot, each offering access to 189 countries. Therefore, Finland does not hold the number one position, as claimed in Statement 2.
Notably, India's ranking improved significantly in the 2025 edition, moving up eight places from 85th to 77th, with Indian passport holders now having access to 59 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
QUESTION 6
The phrase ‘bamboo diplomacy’ is associated with the foreign policy approach of which of the following countries?
(a) Brazil
(b) Thailand
(c) Cambodia
(d) Vietnam
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The concept of ‘bamboo diplomacy’ is most closely linked to Vietnam, particularly under the leadership of Nguyen Phu Trong, the long-serving Vietnamese leader known for his Marxist-Leninist ideology.
Trong, who guided the country through a period of strong economic expansion, also crafted a nuanced foreign policy strategy aimed at balancing relations with global powers. He promoted the principle of being “flexible like bamboo,” resilient yet adaptable—an approach that allowed Vietnam to strengthen its ties with both the United States and China simultaneously.
This diplomatic balancing act culminated in a significant moment when U.S. President Joe Biden visited Hanoi in September, during which Vietnam elevated the U.S. to its top-tier diplomatic status, putting it on par with nations like China, Russia, India, and South Korea.
Trong passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that includes this symbolic and pragmatic approach to international relations.
QUESTION 7
Regarding the BRICS grouping, consider the following statements:
The New Development Bank (NDB), initiated by BRICS nations, is mandated to offer financial assistance solely to member countries of the group.
BRICS has launched its own version of SWIFT to move away from Western-controlled financial messaging systems.
With Saudi Arabia becoming a member, the BRICS alliance now comprises a total of 10 nations.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) All of the above
(d) None of the above
Answer (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Although the New Development Bank (NDB) was set up by the original BRICS nations, it is not restricted to financing projects only in those member states. In fact, it has extended loans to non-BRICS countries as well, reflecting a broader developmental mandate.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While BRICS has been exploring alternatives to the Western-dominated SWIFT system, it has not yet launched a system equivalent to SWIFT. The bloc is currently working on an initiative known as BRICS Pay, a platform intended to reduce dependence on the US dollar and promote local currency-based transactions—but it is still under development and not an actual SWIFT alternative yet.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Though Saudi Arabia was invited to join BRICS, as per the latest update, the confirmed new members are Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This brings the current total membership to 9, not 10. Countries like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have either declined the invitation or are still in consideration.
QUESTION 8
With reference to the UAE Golden Visa scheme as applicable in 2025, consider the following statements:
Nationals of India and Bangladesh can now obtain lifetime residency in the UAE by paying a one-time amount, without the need for investing in real estate or establishing a business.
The application process is open to everyone directly and does not mandate a nomination from a recognised entity.
Citizens from Pakistan and China are also covered under this pilot phase of the scheme.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Under the 2025 pilot phase of the UAE Golden Visa programme, Indian and Bangladeshi citizens are reportedly permitted to acquire lifetime residency rights by making a single payment of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh). This process does not require any investment in property or business ventures.
However, this opportunity is not open to all for direct application. Instead, the process operates via a nomination system, where candidates must be recommended by designated official partners such as Rayad Group, VFS, or One Vasco. Self-nomination or open application is currently not allowed.
Importantly, this pilot initiative is exclusive to nationals of India and Bangladesh. Individuals from countries like China and Pakistan are not eligible during this phase.
Applicants must also pass strict background checks, including scrutiny for money laundering risks, criminal records, and their professional or social impact.
Previous Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs Set
Previous Week Current Affairs MCQs Set
Click for NCERTs Pdfs
Click for Daily Quotes:
Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram and X.
Comments