UPSC Essentials Daily Subject-Wise Quiz: International Relations MCQs for Prelims 2026
Are you diligently preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims 2026? It is crucial to consistently assess your progress and reinforce your understanding of vital topics. This edition of the UPSC Essentials daily subject-wise quiz focuses on International Relations, a domain that blends static syllabus components with dynamic current affairs. Designed to aid your revision, this quiz presents multiple-choice questions on significant global issues and institutions.
Question 1: United Nations Principal Organs
Consider the following statements about the United Nations:
- The Security Council holds primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
- The Trusteeship Council was the latest inclusion in the United Nations, established in 1995.
- The Economic and Social Council is the only one of the six principal organs not located in New York.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Relevance for UPSC: Questions on the UN's principal organs frequently appear in the Prelims, often testing factual accuracy regarding their functions, establishment dates, and locations. Candidates must be wary of statement-based elimination techniques.
Detailed Explanation: The United Nations comprises six principal organs: the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. All were established in 1945 upon the UN's founding.
Statement 1 is correct. The Security Council, under the UN Charter, indeed has primary responsibility for international peace and security, with 15 members including five permanent ones.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945, not 1995, to supervise trust territories towards self-governance and independence.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The International Court of Justice, seated in The Hague, Netherlands, is the only principal organ not located in New York, not the Economic and Social Council.
Thus, only one statement is correct, making option (a) the right answer.
Question 2: Geographical Location of Rafah
The place Rafah, frequently in the news, is the:
- (a) crossing along the border between Gaza and Egypt
- (b) city located on the Israel–Lebanon border
- (c) port town on the Mediterranean coast of Syria
- (d) checkpoint along the West Bank–Jordan border
Relevance for UPSC: Rafah is a strategically vital border location in West Asia, often highlighted in current affairs related to conflicts, humanitarian aid, and border management. UPSC may test its precise geographical positioning through map-based or direct questions.
Detailed Explanation: Rafah is a crossing point along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. It serves as a critical lifeline for the movement of people and essential humanitarian aid, especially during conflict situations. Recent news has emphasized its role in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, where its opening and closure significantly impact Gaza's population.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Question 3: Conflict in Sudan
Consider the following statements:
- Atrocities in this country's Darfur region are spreading in an organized campaign involving mass executions, rape, and ethnic targeting, constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- This country has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023.
The above-mentioned country refers to:
- (a) Libya
- (b) Chad
- (c) Botswana
- (d) Sudan
Relevance for UPSC: The examination often links human rights violations, war crimes, and ethnic violence with specific regions like Darfur. Questions may test knowledge of conflict timelines, locations, and key actors in contemporary global affairs.
Detailed Explanation: The statements describe Sudan, where the Darfur region has witnessed severe atrocities, including mass executions and ethnic targeting, recognized as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023, following clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia.
Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
Question 4: Geography of Donetsk Region
The 'Donetsk region' was in the news. Consider the following statements:
- The region consists of an undulating plain dissected by river valleys, ravines, and gullies.
- It is located in southwestern Ukraine.
- The region is connected to the Sea of Azov in the north.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Relevance for UPSC: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war keeps regions like Donetsk in continuous current affairs focus. UPSC often tests physical geography and map locations of conflict zones through tricky statements that require precise knowledge.
Detailed Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Donetsk region features an undulating plain intersected by river valleys, ravines, and gullies. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is located in southeastern Ukraine, not southwestern. Statement 3 is incorrect: The region has a coastline along the Sea of Azov to the south, not the north.
Thus, only one statement is correct, making option (a) the right answer.
Question 5: AI Basic Act
Recently, which of the following countries introduced the AI Basic Act aimed at regulating artificial intelligence?
- (a) Japan
- (b) Philippines
- (c) China
- (d) South Korea
Relevance for UPSC: Regulation of artificial intelligence is a rapidly emerging global governance issue, frequently reported in current affairs. UPSC may test country-legislation matching, especially to differentiate between binding laws and guideline-based approaches in technology policy.
Detailed Explanation: South Korea introduced the AI Basic Act on January 22, 2026, as a comprehensive set of laws to regulate artificial intelligence. This legislation, following the European Union's AI Act, mandates invisible digital watermarks on AI-generated content and visible labels for deepfakes. It has sparked debate among tech startups and civil society groups regarding its stringency.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Conclusion
This International Relations quiz covers a spectrum of topics from international organizations like the UN to current geopolitical hotspots and technological regulations. Regular practice with such quizzes can significantly enhance your ability to tackle UPSC Prelims questions effectively. Continue revising static portions while staying updated with recent developments to build a robust preparation strategy for the 2026 examination.
