Daily Prelims MCQs — International Relations — 25th July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 25
- 6 min read
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the International Relations — 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: Nature Solutions Finance Hub, Kamchatka region, lawful government, Bitra Island, 'Han Guang' exercise, M23 rebel group, FAO, ILO, IMF, OIC, OAS, AU, G20 and more...
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
With reference to the Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific, consider the following statements:
The initiative was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during the COP28 conference.
Its objective is to mobilize funding into projects utilizing nature-based solutions, with a strong emphasis on capital markets and private sector investments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (b)
Explanation:
As per information available on the official website of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) —
“The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific at COP28 which aims to attract at least $2 billion into investment programs that incorporate nature-based solutions, particularly focused on capital markets and other sources of private capital.”
This clearly confirms that:
Statement 1 is incorrect because the ADB, not the UNDP, launched the hub.
Statement 2 is correct as the initiative is centered on mobilizing private investments into nature-based solutions.
QUESTION 2
Recently, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck near the coast of the Kamchatka region. This region is located in:
(a) United States
(b) Kazakhstan
(c) Italy
(d) Russia
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The Kamchatka Peninsula, situated in the far eastern part of Russia, recently experienced a significant seismic event. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.6 and occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Although GFZ initially estimated the tremor at 6.2 magnitude, it later revised the measurement. Given that Kamchatka lies within Russian territory.
QUESTION 3
Which nation has recently taken the step to officially recognise the Taliban as the lawful government of Afghanistan?
(a) China
(b) Iran
(c) Russia
(d) Ukraine
Answer (c)
Explanation:
On July 3, during a diplomatic engagement, Russia’s Ambassador to Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov, conveyed to the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, that Russia had made the decision to formally acknowledge the Taliban as the legitimate ruling authority in Afghanistan. This move was positively received by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, which hailed it as a “historic step” that could potentially influence other nations. Observers are now watching whether countries such as China, Pakistan, and others might follow Russia’s lead.
QUESTION 4
Which among the following States or Union Territories is planning to assume control over Bitra Island—an atoll—for strategic and defence-related activities?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Lakshadweep
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep has proposed to take over Bitra Island, one of its atolls, for potential use by defence and strategic agencies. A government notification issued on July 11 outlined the plan for the Lakshadweep Department of Revenue to acquire the entire land area of Bitra Island and hand it over to relevant Central authorities. The proposal, however, has sparked resistance, with MP Hamdullah Sayeed voicing concerns and vowing to raise the issue in Parliament. As per the 2011 Census, Bitra is the least populated among Lakshadweep’s ten inhabited islands, with only 271 residents.
QUESTION 5
The 'Han Guang' exercise, described as the largest military drill of its kind, has been organised by which of the following countries?
(a) Taiwan
(b) Philippines
(c) Japan
(d) North Korea
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The Han Guang drills, recognised as Taiwan’s most extensive military exercise to date, commenced with manoeuvres aimed at neutralising threats posed by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia ships, which have been harassing Taiwanese vessels near offshore islands situated close to China’s coastline. As per Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence, these drills involve 22,000 reservists supporting regular forces, and are being conducted under “realistic combat-like conditions” — an effort interpreted by observers, including the Associated Press, as a response to past criticism that earlier exercises lacked substance. The Chinese government, in reaction, criticised Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), asserting that such drills would not alter the “historical trend of national reunification.”
QUESTION 6
Regarding the M23 rebel group, consider the following statements:
The group has received support from Nigeria and Algeria.
M23 has agreed to a declaration of principles in Qatar aimed at ending long-standing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The peace process involving M23 has been mediated by the Russian government.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (a)
Explanation:
The M23 rebel group, active in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is not backed by Nigeria or Algeria, but is supported by neighbouring Rwanda. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.
A recent declaration of principles was indeed signed in Qatar, where the M23 and Congolese government representatives committed to a permanent ceasefire and pledged to work toward a comprehensive peace agreement. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
Contrary to what statement 3 claims, Russia did not facilitate the peace process. The United States played the role of mediator in the earlier phase of peace talks between Congo and Rwanda. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.
QUESTION 7
Match the following UN Specialised Agencies with their respective headquarters and identify which pair(s) are incorrectly matched:
UN Specialised Agency | Headquarters |
1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | Rome |
2. International Labour Organization (ILO) | Geneva |
3. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | New York |
Which of the above are not correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer (c)
Explanation:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not based in New York, but rather in Washington, D.C., United States.
Thus, only Pair 3 is incorrectly matched, making option (c) the correct answer.
QUESTION 8
Which organisation ranks as the second largest inter-governmental body worldwide, following the United Nations?
(a) G20
(b) Organization of American States (OAS)
(c) Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
(d) African Union (AU)
Answer (c)
Explanation:
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), formerly called the Organisation of the Islamic Conference until it was renamed in 2011, is recognised as the world’s second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations. It comprises 57 member states spread across four continents. The OIC positions itself as the “collective voice of the Muslim world” with the primary aim of safeguarding the interests of Muslim-majority countries while fostering international peace and harmony among different peoples.
Membership in the OIC is generally reserved for countries with a Muslim majority. Additionally, several countries and entities such as the Central African Republic, Russia, Thailand, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the unrecognised Turkish Cypriot administration hold Observer status within the organisation.
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