Organisations and Headquarters – Static GK Questions Asked in SSC & Railway Exams (PYQs with Answers)

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q1. Which facility in Iran is being developed by India to enhance trade with Central Asia?

(a) Bandar Abbas commercial wharf
(b) Chabahar Port transit facility
(c) Qeshm Island logistics centre
(d) Bushehr Port maritime terminal

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Chabahar Port transit facility

Answer: Option 2 — Chabahar Port transit facility
India is developing the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia by a route that bypasses Pakistan.
It is India's first overseas port project.
Revision note — Chabahar Port
• Chabahar lies on the Gulf of Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz, about 170 km west of the Chinese-built Gwadar port in Pakistan.
• The trilateral India-Iran-Afghanistan agreement on Chabahar was signed in May 2016 during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Tehran.
• India's first consignment through the port, wheat to Afghanistan, was shipped in October 2017.
• India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over operations in December 2018.
• On 13 May 2024 IPGL signed a 10-year contract with Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation for the Shahid Beheshti terminal.
• Under the 2024 contract India invests about USD 120 million in the terminal and offers a USD 250 million credit line for connected infrastructure.
• Chabahar is India's gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the multi-modal route linking Mumbai to Iran, Central Asia and Russia.
• Bandar Abbas is Iran's largest port on the Strait of Hormuz; Bushehr on the Persian Gulf hosts Iran's nuclear power plant; Qeshm is the largest island in the Persian Gulf.
Do not mix these up
• Chabahar vs Gwadar — Chabahar is developed by India in Iran; Gwadar is developed by China in Pakistan under CPEC.
• Gulf of Oman vs Persian Gulf — Chabahar is on the Gulf of Oman, so shipping to it need not pass through the Strait of Hormuz; Bandar Abbas and Bushehr are on the Persian Gulf side.
Also asked from this topic: the corridor that uses Chabahar to reach Central Asia (International North-South Transport Corridor); the first commodity India sent to Afghanistan through Chabahar in 2017 (wheat).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · International organisations and headquarters

Q2. The International Solar Alliance primarily brings together nations that:

(a) Have major fossil fuel reserves
(b) Receive heavy monsoon rainfall
(c) Experience consistent sunshine
(d) Have high wind energy potential

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Experience consistent sunshine

Answer: Option 3 — Experience consistent sunshine
The ISA was conceived as a coalition of the "sunshine countries" — nations lying wholly or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where solar radiation is abundant through the year.
Its purpose is to pool demand, cut the cost of solar technology and finance, and spread solar energy in exactly these countries.
Revision note — International Solar Alliance
• Launched jointly by India and France on 30 November 2015 at COP21, Paris; its Framework Agreement came into force on 6 December 2017.
• Headquarters at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, Haryana — the first treaty-based international organisation to be headquartered in India.
• Membership was first limited to the 121 countries between the tropics; the 2020 amendment opened it to all UN member states.
• Goal: mobilise USD 1 trillion of solar investment by 2030; its Towards 1000 strategy also aims at clean energy access for 1,000 million people.
• Ashish Khanna was elected Director General at the 7th Assembly, November 2024, succeeding Ajay Mathur.
• With the UK it launched One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) at COP26, Glasgow (2021); the ISA has held observer status at the UN General Assembly since 2021.
Do not mix these up
• ISA vs IRENA — IRENA (Abu Dhabi, 2009) covers all renewables; the ISA (Gurugram, 2015) is solar-specific.
• ISA vs CDRI — both are India-led coalitions, but the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (2019) deals with infrastructure resilience, not energy.
Also asked from this topic: the partner country with which India launched the ISA (France); its headquarters city (Gurugram); its investment target (USD 1 trillion by 2030).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · International organisations and headquarters

Q3. Which of the following reflects India's major support to the International Solar Alliance?

(a) Building nuclear plants abroad
(b) Establishing coal reserves in Africa
(c) Offering solar project funding and technical aid
(d) Exporting fossil fuels to member countries

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Offering solar project funding and technical aid

Answer: Option 3 — Offering solar project funding and technical aid
India backs the ISA with money, land and expertise: it funds the corpus, hosts the headquarters, extends lines of credit for solar projects in member countries and trains their engineers.
Nuclear plants, coal and fossil-fuel exports have nothing to do with a solar alliance.
Revision note — India's role in the ISA
• India contributed ₹175 crore (about USD 27 million) to the ISA corpus fund to build its secretariat and meet its expenses for the first five years.
• It gave 5 acres of land and the headquarters building on the NISE campus, Gwal Pahari, Gurugram.
• At the ISA Founding Conference, New Delhi (11 March 2018), India announced lines of credit of about USD 1.4 billion for 27 solar projects in 15 countries.
• The Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STAR-C) and training under the ITEC programme provide the technical aid to member states.
• Flagship ISA programmes: Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use, Affordable Finance at Scale, Solar Mini-Grids and Solar Rooftops.
• The Global Solar Facility, approved at the 5th Assembly (2022), is a payment-guarantee fund aimed first at Africa; India was its first contributor.
Also asked from this topic: the partner country with which India founded the ISA (France); the headquarters of the ISA (Gurugram); the Director General elected in November 2024 (Ashish Khanna).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q4. Which core objective defines India's engagement in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?

(a) Building a collective defense mechanism
(b) Facilitating Chinese access to African markets
(c) Enhancing blue economy and maritime security
(d) Creating a Hindu–Buddhist cultural bloc

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Enhancing blue economy and maritime security

Answer: Option 3 — Enhancing blue economy and maritime security
IORA is an economic and functional grouping of the Indian Ocean littoral states, not a military alliance.
India's engagement there rests on its two flagship concerns — the blue economy and maritime safety and security.
Revision note — Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
• Founded on 6–7 March 1997 at Mauritius as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), growing out of the 1995 Indian Ocean Rim Initiative; India is a founding member and the secretariat is at Ebene, Mauritius.
• It has 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners; membership is open to any state bordering the Indian Ocean.
• The Council of Ministers, made up of the Foreign Ministers of member states, is the apex decision-making body and meets annually.
• Its six priority areas: maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic and science cooperation, tourism and culture.
• Blue economy and women's economic empowerment are the two cross-cutting priorities that run through all six.
• Indian diplomat Sanjiv Ranjan took charge as Secretary-General on 1 January 2025 for a three-year term.
• India's own maritime doctrines in the same waters are SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region (2015) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (2019).
Do not mix these up
• IORA vs IONS — IORA is an inter-governmental grouping for economic and functional cooperation; the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (2008) is a navy-to-navy forum.
• IORA vs BIMSTEC — IORA rings the whole Indian Ocean, from Africa to Australia; BIMSTEC is limited to the Bay of Bengal neighbourhood.
Also asked from this topic: the year IORA was established (1997); the country that hosts its secretariat (Mauritius); the organisation Sanjiv Ranjan took over on 1 January 2025 (IORA).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q5. Which regions are interconnected through the IMEC corridor initiative?

(a) India to Middle East to Ethiopia
(b) India to Middle East to Europe
(c) India to Iran to Central Asia
(d) India to Mediterranean to Europe

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) India to Middle East to Europe

Answer: Option 2 — India to Middle East to Europe
IMEC is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit on 9 September 2023.
Goods sail from India to the Gulf, cross the Arabian Peninsula by rail, and sail again from the Mediterranean coast to Europe.
Revision note — IMEC
• Signatories to the MoU: India, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union.
• Two legs: the Eastern Corridor (India to the Gulf) and the Northern Corridor (Gulf to Europe); route India - UAE - Saudi Arabia - Jordan - Israel - Europe.
• Besides rail and shipping it is to carry an electricity cable, a clean hydrogen pipeline and a data cable.
• Backed by the US-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and seen as an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• Key ports: Mundra, Kandla and JNPT in India; Fujairah and Jebel Ali (UAE); Dammam and Ras Al Khair (Saudi Arabia); Haifa (Israel); Piraeus (Greece) and Marseille (France).
• The INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor, 2000) is the older India-Iran-Russia route via Chabahar and Bandar Abbas to Central Asia and Europe.
Do not mix these up
• IMEC vs INSTC — IMEC crosses the Arabian Peninsula and Israel to Europe; INSTC runs through Iran to Russia and Central Asia (the route in option 3).
• IMEC vs Chabahar — Chabahar is India's port project in Iran on the INSTC, not part of IMEC.
Also asked from this topic: the two Middle Eastern anchor countries of IMEC (Saudi Arabia and the UAE); the Middle Eastern country central to IMEC (Saudi Arabia).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q6. Which statement correctly describes India's strategic use of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)?

(a) It supports exclusive control over South China Sea
(b) It promotes only bilateral maritime pacts with QUAD
(c) It promotes maritime ties with Indian Ocean states.
(d) It funds private sector port development in the Pacific

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It promotes maritime ties with Indian Ocean states.

Answer: Option 3 — It promotes maritime ties with Indian Ocean states.
SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region is India's maritime doctrine for the Indian Ocean.
It covers security cooperation, trade, capacity building and disaster relief with the region's littoral and island states.
Revision note — SAGAR and India's maritime neighbourhood
• SAGAR was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mauritius in March 2015; sagar also means "ocean".
• Its pillars are safeguarding India's own maritime interests, deepening security and economic cooperation with Indian Ocean neighbours, and collective action against piracy, terrorism and natural disasters.
• It also stresses sustainable use of ocean resources and treats the Indian Ocean Region's own countries as India's primary responsibility.
• Partner states include Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Madagascar and Comoros; landlocked neighbours such as Nepal and Bhutan are not part of it.
• Mission SAGAR (2020) was the Indian Navy's COVID-era relief deployment, carrying medicines and food to Indian Ocean countries.
• Related efforts: Sagarmala (port-led development at home), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the Colombo Security Conclave, and IFC-IOR at Gurugram.
• In March 2025 India widened the idea into MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Do not mix these up
• SAGAR vs Sagarmala — SAGAR is a foreign-policy doctrine for the Indian Ocean; Sagarmala is a domestic port-led infrastructure programme.
• SAGAR vs Mission Sagar — SAGAR is the vision of 2015; Mission Sagar of 2020 was one naval relief deployment carried out under it.
Also asked from this topic: what India's SAGAR doctrine focuses on (maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean); the country that launched Mission SAGAR (India); a nation taking part in it (Seychelles).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q7. Which of the below statements is/are correct?
Statement 1: Maldives withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2016 due to human rights concerns.
Statement 2: India is not a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

(a) Only Statement 1 is correct
(b) Only Statement 2 is correct
(c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 are correct

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only Statement 1 is correct

Answer: Option 1 — Only Statement 1 is correct
The Maldives left the Commonwealth in October 2016 after criticism of its democracy and human rights record, so Statement 1 holds.
India is a founding member of IORA, so Statement 2 is false.
Revision note — The Commonwealth and IORA
• The Maldives announced its withdrawal from the Commonwealth on 13 October 2016 and rejoined on 1 February 2020.
• The Commonwealth of Nations has 56 members, and its Secretariat is at Marlborough House, London.
• Rwanda, Mozambique, Gabon and Togo joined without ever being British colonies; Ireland (1949) and Zimbabwe (2003) left.
• The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was set up in 1997 in Mauritius as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative, with India as a founding member.
• IORA has 23 member states, among them Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE; its Secretariat is at Ebene, Mauritius.
• Indian diplomat Sanjiv Ranjan took office as IORA Secretary General on 1 January 2025 for a three-year term.
Do not mix these up
• IORA vs IONS — IORA is the economic and diplomatic grouping of Indian Ocean rim states; the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is a navy-to-navy forum begun by India in 2008.
• Commonwealth of Nations vs CIS — the Commonwealth grew out of the British Empire; the Commonwealth of Independent States is the grouping of former Soviet republics.
Also asked from this topic: the year IORA was established (1997); the country hosting its secretariat (Mauritius); its Secretary General from 1 January 2025 (Sanjiv Ranjan).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q8. Which Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation member state serves as the host for the Permanent Secretariat?

(a) People’s Republic of Bangladesh
(b) Kingdom of the Thailand nation
(c) Republic of the India territory
(d) Democratic Socialist Sri Lanka

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Answer: Option 1 — People's Republic of Bangladesh
The BIMSTEC Permanent Secretariat stands at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The decision to create it was taken at the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit, Nay Pyi Taw, 2014, and the secretariat opened at Dhaka the same year.
Revision note — BIMSTEC
• Born as BIST-EC through the Bangkok Declaration of 6 June 1997 with Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand; Myanmar joined in December 1997.
• Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004, and the group was renamed BIMSTEC at the first summit in Bangkok on 31 July 2004.
• The seven members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand — five from South Asia and two from Southeast Asia. Pakistan and the Maldives are not members.
• The BIMSTEC Charter was adopted at the 5th Summit, Colombo, 2022 and entered into force on 20 May 2024.
• The 6th Summit was held at Bangkok on 4 April 2025, where Bangkok Vision 2030 was adopted.
• Work is organised in seven pillars, each led by one member; India leads Security, which covers counter-terrorism, energy security and disaster management.
Do not mix these up
• BIMSTEC vs SAARC — BIMSTEC's secretariat is at Dhaka and excludes Pakistan; SAARC's is at Kathmandu and includes it.
• BIMSTEC vs ASEAN — ASEAN was formed by the Bangkok Declaration of 1967 with its secretariat at Jakarta; BIMSTEC's founding Bangkok Declaration is of 1997.
Also asked from this topic: the summit that decided on the BIMSTEC Secretariat (Third Summit, 2014); the one that adopted its Charter (Fifth, Colombo 2022); the host of the 6th summit (Thailand, 2025).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q9. The establishment of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) during the 2023 G20 Summit has been viewed as a significant move in shaping international trade routes. Which of the following options best reflects India's strategic advantage in IMEC when compared to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

(a) IMEC bypasses the Suez Canal and is backed by Russia
(b) IMEC connects India to Russia directly via Arctic shipping lanes
(c) IMEC enables India to access Europe through a US-backed, secure and rules-based infrastructure
(d) IMEC involves military deployment across the Arabian Peninsula

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) IMEC enables India to access Europe through a US-backed, secure and rules-based infrastructure

Answer: Option 3 — IMEC enables India to access Europe through a US-backed, secure and rules-based infrastructure
IMEC's advantage over the BRI is not the route but the terms: it is a partnership of democracies under the G7's PGII, with transparent financing and shared standards.
The BRI has drawn criticism for opaque loans and debt dependence, as at Hambantota.
Revision note — India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
• IMEC was announced through an MoU at the G20 New Delhi Summit of 9-10 September 2023, whose theme was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future.
• The signatories are India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union.
• It has two arms: the Eastern Corridor, India to the Arabian Gulf, and the Northern Corridor, the Gulf to Europe.
• It is multi-modal — ship-to-rail transport plus an electricity cable, a clean hydrogen pipeline and a high-speed data cable.
• It sits under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), the G7's answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative, launched by Xi Jinping in 2013.
• IMEC is planned as an alternative to the Suez Canal route, and is projected to cut transit time by about 40 per cent and cost by about 30 per cent.
• At the same New Delhi Summit the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Do not mix these up
• IMEC vs BRI — IMEC is multilateral, US and EU backed and rules-based; the BRI is China-led and financed largely by Chinese loans.
• IMEC vs INSTC — the International North-South Transport Corridor runs India to Russia through Iran and Central Asia via Chabahar and Bandar Abbas; IMEC runs west to Europe.
Also asked from this topic: the purpose of IMEC (a trade route to Europe through the Middle East); the route it replaces (the Suez Canal); the initiative it counters (China's Belt and Road Initiative).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 2 · International organisations and headquarters

Q10. Which two countries jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015?

(a) India and Germany
(b) India and France
(c) India and USA
(d) India and Brazil

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) India and France

Answer: Option 2 — India and France
The International Solar Alliance was launched jointly by India and France on 30 November 2015 at the COP21 climate conference in Paris.
Revision note — International Solar Alliance (ISA)
• Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President François Hollande on 30 November 2015 at COP21, Paris.
• Headquarters: the National Institute of Solar Energy campus at Gurugram, Haryana — the first treaty-based international organisation headquartered in India.
• Its Framework Agreement came into force on 6 December 2017; membership, first limited to countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, was opened to all UN members in 2020.
• The Towards 1000 (TW1000) strategy targets USD 1,000 billion of solar investment by 2030 and clean-energy access for 1,000 million people.
• Ashish Khanna was elected Director General at the 7th Assembly in November 2024, succeeding Ajay Mathur.
• Other India-led bodies: the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched in 2019, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, launched at the G20 New Delhi summit, 2023.
Do not mix these up
• ISA vs IRENA — ISA is the India–France solar body at Gurugram; IRENA (2009) covers all renewables and sits at Abu Dhabi.
• ISA vs CDRI — both were launched by India, but ISA (2015) is about solar energy and CDRI (2019) about disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Also asked from this topic: India's co-founder in the ISA (France); its headquarters (Gurugram); its Director General elected in 2024 (Ashish Khanna).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 3 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q11. With increasing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean through its “String of Pearls” strategy, India's Indo-Pacific policy emphasizes alliances, military logistics pacts, and island diplomacy. How does India's cooperation with Indian Ocean island nations like Seychelles, Mauritius, and Maldives support its maritime strategy?

(a) It provides tourism income
(b) It allows India to station nuclear weapons in the region
(c) It helps monitor Sea Lines of Communication and enhances strategic depth
(d) It bypasses international maritime laws

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It helps monitor Sea Lines of Communication and enhances strategic depth

Answer: Option 3 — It helps monitor Sea Lines of Communication and enhances strategic depth
Radar stations, berthing rights and joint patrols in Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives let India watch the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) that carry its trade and oil.
They also push its naval reach far beyond home waters — that is strategic depth.
Revision note — India's Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific strategy
• China's String of Pearls is the ring of ports around India — Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), Chittagong (Bangladesh) and Djibouti.
• Djibouti is China's first overseas military base, opened in 2017.
• India's answer is SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mauritius in March 2015.
• The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by India at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, November 2019.
• The Quad — India, the United States, Japan and Australia — was proposed in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, lapsed, and was revived in 2017.
• India runs coastal radar chains with Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh, and commissioned INS Jatayu at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, in March 2024.
• About 95 per cent of India's trade by volume moves by sea, which is why SLOC security is a core national interest.
Do not mix these up
• String of Pearls vs Necklace of Diamonds — the first is China's ring of ports encircling India; the second is India's counter-network (Chabahar, Duqm, Sabang, Changi).
• SAGAR vs IPOI — SAGAR (2015) is the Indian Ocean vision; the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (2019) is the wider framework built on it.
Also asked from this topic: the region the Quad focuses on (Indo-Pacific); the country that launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (India); the year the Quad was first proposed (2007).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 3 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q12. Which Indian leader made history in August 2024 by becoming the first Head of State to visit Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste?

(a) Jagdeep Dhankhar
(b) Minister S. Jaishankar
(c) Droupadi Murmu
(d) Narendra Modi

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Droupadi Murmu

Answer: Option 3 — Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu toured Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste in August 2024.
She was the first Indian Head of State ever to visit any of the three countries.
Revision note — President Droupadi Murmu and the August 2024 tour
• In Fiji she was conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, that country's highest civilian honour, and addressed its Parliament.
• In Timor-Leste she received the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, its highest civilian award.
• Droupadi Murmu took office on 25 July 2022 as the 15th President of India — the first tribal President and the second woman, after Pratibha Patil (2007).
• She belongs to the Santhal tribe of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, and was earlier Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021).
• The President is the Head of State under Article 52, elected by an electoral college under Article 54; the minimum age is 35 years (Article 58).
• She also visited Botswana in November 2025, where eight cheetahs were gifted to India for the next phase of Project Cheetah.
Do not mix these up
• Head of State vs Head of Government — the President is India's Head of State; the Prime Minister is Head of Government, so a visit by Narendra Modi would not answer this question.
• Droupadi Murmu vs Pratibha Patil — Murmu is the first tribal President (2022); Pratibha Patil was the first woman President (2007).
Also asked from this topic: the Indian given the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in August 2024 (Droupadi Murmu); the country that gifted India eight cheetahs in 2025 (Botswana).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q13. The 'SAARC' Secretariat is located in which South Asian capital city?

(a) New Delhi
(b) Islamabad
(c) Kathmandu
(d) Malé State

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Kathmandu

Answer: Option 3 — Kathmandu
The SAARC Secretariat is at Kathmandu, Nepal, set up in January 1987 and inaugurated by King Birendra.
Revision note — SAARC
• SAARC was founded by the Charter signed at Dhaka on 8 December 1985 by the leaders of seven South Asian countries; 8 December is SAARC Charter Day.
• It has 8 members — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan, which joined in 2007. China is only an observer.
• The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term, by rotation in alphabetical order of member states.
• Exam keys give the date it was set up as either 16 or 17 January 1987 — remember the month and year.
• SAFTA, the South Asian Free Trade Area, was signed at the 12th Summit, Islamabad, 2004 and came into force in 2006.
• The 18th Summit at Kathmandu in 2014 was the last held; Pakistan's objection there blocked the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement, so India pushed the sub-regional BBIN agreement instead, signed in 2015.
• Decisions need unanimity, which India–Pakistan rivalry has repeatedly stalled — the main reason BIMSTEC, which excludes Pakistan, works more smoothly.
• The SAARC Development Fund sits at Thimphu, Bhutan.
Do not mix these up
• Dhaka vs Kathmandu — the Charter was signed at Dhaka (1985); the Secretariat is at Kathmandu (1987).
• SAARC vs BIMSTEC — SAARC has 8 members including Pakistan; BIMSTEC links Bay of Bengal states, excludes Pakistan and includes Myanmar and Thailand.
• Male vs Male State — Male is the capital of the Maldives, the southernmost SAARC country; there is no country called "Male State".
Also asked from this topic: where the SAARC Secretariat was set up (Kathmandu); the year SAARC was established (1985, at Dhaka); the eighth member and its year (Afghanistan, 2007);
a country that is only an observer (China); the southernmost SAARC country (Maldives).

SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q14. Which geopolitical factor most significantly hinders India's direct land connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia through its western borders?

(a) Insufficient foreign investment for infrastructure.
(b) Unresolved border disputes with a key transit country.
(c) Scarcity of natural resources in the bordering regions.
(d) India's strategic preference for sea-based trade routes.

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Unresolved border disputes with a key transit country.

Answer: Option 2 — Unresolved border disputes with a key transit country.
The only country lying between India and Afghanistan is Pakistan, and it does not grant Indian goods overland transit.
That refusal rests on the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, so the block is political, not economic.
Revision note — India's land connectivity to Central Asia
• India's only possible land bridge to Afghanistan runs through Pakistan.
• The Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (2010) lets Afghan goods reach India, but not Indian goods travel the other way.
• India therefore developed Chabahar Port in Sistan-Baluchestan, Iran, on the Gulf of Oman, to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia by sea and road while bypassing Pakistan.
• The Zaranj-Delaram highway, built by India's Border Roads Organisation, links the Chabahar route to Afghanistan's Garland Highway.
• The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), begun in 2000 by India, Iran and Russia, connects India to Central Asia, Russia and Europe through Iran.
• India's first consignment to Afghanistan through Chabahar, sent in October 2017, was wheat.
• India's only stretch of border facing Afghanistan lies across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India claims but does not control.
Do not mix these up
• Chabahar vs Gwadar — Chabahar is in Iran and developed with Indian help; Gwadar is in Pakistan's Balochistan and developed with China.
• INSTC vs CPEC — the INSTC is the India-Iran-Russia corridor through Iran; the CPEC is the China-Pakistan corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar.
Also asked from this topic: the strategic value of Chabahar Port (bypassing Pakistan to trade with Afghanistan, SSC CGL 2025); the corridor reaching Central Asia through it (INSTC, SSC CGL 2025); India's first cargo to Afghanistan through it in 2017 (wheat, SSC GD 2026).

RRB Group D 2025-26 – 12 August 2026 Shift 1 · Research institutes and laboratories

Q15. On May 13, 2026, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) signed a landmark MoU with SAMEER at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. SAMEER functions under which Union Ministry?

(a) Ministry of Communications
(b) Ministry of Defence
(c) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Answer: Option 3 – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
•SAMEERfunctions under theMinistry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

RRB Group D 2025-26 – 9 August 2026 Shift 3 · Founders and founding years

Q16. Which of the following organisations commemorated its 176th Foundation Day on 4 March 2026?

(a) Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
(b) Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
(c) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
(d) Geological Survey of India (GSI)

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Geological Survey of India (GSI)

Answer: Option 4 — Geological Survey of India (GSI)
TheGSI(founded 1851) marked its 176th Foundation Day on 4 March 2026 → Option 4.

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q17. Where is the head office of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in India?

(a) Patna
(b) Lucknow
(c) Hyderabad
(d) Delhi

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Hyderabad

Topic: National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)
NIRDPRis an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Head Office:Hyderabad, Telangana
It focuses on training, research, and consultancy in rural development and panchayati raj.
Answer: Option 3 → Hyderabad

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 3 · United Nations and its agencies

Q18. India became a founding member of which global organization promoting peace and cooperation?

(a) United Nations
(b) ASEAN
(c) OPEC
(d) NATO

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) United Nations

Topic:India's Founding Memberships
United Nations (UN)- Founded on 24 October 1945
India became a founding member on 30 October 1945
UN's primary goal: maintain international peace and security
Other options:
ASEAN (1967) - India not a member, only dialogue partner
OPEC (1960) - Oil-producing nations, India not a member
NATO (1949) - Military alliance, India not a member
Answer: Option 1 → United Nations

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 1 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q19. What is the primary function of the Sahitya Akademi?

(a) To promote literature in Indian languages
(b) To promote classical languages
(c) To conduct language proficiency tests
(d) To provide translation services

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) To promote literature in Indian languages

Sahitya Akademi
Established: 1954 (India's National Academy of Letters)
Primary Function: Promotes literature in22 scheduled Indian languages
Key Activities: Literary awards, seminars, publications, translations
Answer: Option 1 → To promote literature in Indian languages

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 1 · International organisations and headquarters

Q20. Which of the following organizations publishes the annual World Report 2025 reviewing global human rights practices?

(a) United Nations Human Rights Council
(b) Amnesty International
(c) Human Rights Watch
(d) International Criminal Court

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Human Rights Watch

Topic: International Organizations - Human Rights
Human Rights Watch (HRW)is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.
HRW publishes the annualWorld Reportwhich reviews human rights practices in countries around the world.
TheWorld Report 2025covers events from late 2023 through 2024, analyzing human rights conditions in over 100 countries.
Other organizations: UN Human Rights Council monitors rights, Amnesty International publishes separate reports, ICC prosecutes crimes.
Answer: Option 3 → Human Rights Watch

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 13 June 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q21. India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in which of the following years?

(a) 2017
(b) 2005
(c) 2001
(d) 2015

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 2017

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
India and Pakistan were grantedobserver statusin 2005.
Both countries becamefull membersat the Astana Summit inJune 2017.
SCO was founded in 2001 with 6 original members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Answer: Option 1 → 2017

SSC GD 2026 – 31 May 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q22. At which BIMSTEC Summit was the decision taken to establish a Secretariat?

(a) First Summit
(b) Second Summit
(c) Third Summit
(d) Fourth Summit

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Third Summit

Correct Answer: Third Summit (Option 3)
The decision to establish a permanent BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Secretariat was taken at the Third BIMSTEC Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar in March 2014. The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh and was inaugurated in 2014. BIMSTEC comprises 7 member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Why others are wrong:
- First Summit (2004, Bangkok): Focused on establishing BIMSTEC as a regional grouping; Secretariat was not decided here.
- Second Summit (2008, New Delhi): Discussed cooperation in various sectors; Secretariat decision came later.
- Fourth Summit (2018, Kathmandu): Focused on connectivity and other cooperation areas; Secretariat had already been established.

SSC GD 2026 – 29 May 2026 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q23. Through which declaration was the sub-regional group first established in 1997, which later evolved into BIMSTEC?

(a) Kathmandu Declaration
(b) Colombo Declaration
(c) Bangkok Declaration
(d) Dhaka Declaration

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Bangkok Declaration

Correct Answer: Bangkok Declaration — Option (c)
BIMSTEC was established through the Bangkok Declaration of 1997. About BIMSTEC Formation: Founded: June 6, 1997; Founding declaration: Bangkok Declaration; Founding members: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand; Original name: BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation); First meeting/signing: Bangkok, Thailand; Evolution: 1997: Established as BIST-EC with 4 members — Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand; Myanmar joined in December 1997 → renamed to BIMST-EC; Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004 → renamed to BIMSTEC; 2004: Current name adopted — Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC); Current members (7): Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan; Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh (permanent secretariat established 2014); Purpose: Regional cooperation among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal; Focus areas: Trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism; 2022: Colombo Summit — adopted BIMSTEC Charter (first-ever formal charter) and BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity; Note: The Bangkok Declaration is the FOUNDING document that established the predecessor group that evolved into BIMSTEC.
Option (a) Kathmandu Declaration — Incorrect: The sub-regional group that evolved into BIMSTEC was NOT established through the Kathmandu Declaration; the founding document was the Bangkok Declaration of June 6, 1997; Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal (a member of BIMSTEC), but the founding declaration was signed in Bangkok, Thailand. The candidate incorrectly selected this option.
Option (b) Colombo Declaration — Incorrect: The sub-regional group that evolved into BIMSTEC was NOT established through the Colombo Declaration; it was established through the Bangkok Declaration (1997); Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka (a member of BIMSTEC); the Colombo Summit of BIMSTEC was held in 2022 where the BIMSTEC Charter was adopted — but that was NOT the founding declaration.
Option (d) Dhaka Declaration — Incorrect: The sub-regional group that evolved into BIMSTEC was NOT established through the Dhaka Declaration; it was established through the Bangkok Declaration (1997); Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh (a BIMSTEC member); Dhaka serves as the headquarters of the BIMSTEC Secretariat (established 2014), but the founding was in Bangkok through the Bangkok Declaration.

SSC GD 2026 – 27 May 2026 Shift 2 · Research institutes and laboratories

Q24. The abbreviation 'NCMRWF' is associated with which central ministry of the Government of India?

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(b) Ministry of Earth Sciences
(c) Ministry of Cooperation
(d) Ministry of Education

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ministry of Earth Sciences

Correct Answer: Ministry of Earth Sciences — Option (b)
NCMRWF is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. About NCMRWF: Full form: National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting; Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences ( MoES ), Government of India; Established: 1988; Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Mission: To develop and provide medium range weather forecasts (3-10 days ahead) for India; Key functions: Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) — using mathematical models to forecast weather; Assimilation of satellite data, radiosonde data, and other observations; Development of forecasting models for India; Providing weather forecasts to agriculture, aviation, disaster management; About Ministry of Earth Sciences ( MoES ): Nodal ministry for: Weather forecasting, climate science, seismology, oceanography, polar sciences; Organizations under MoES : IMD (India Meteorological Department) — weather forecasting; NCMRWF — medium range weather forecasting; IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), Pune — climate research; NIO (National Institute of Oceanography), Goa; INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), Hyderabad; NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology), Chennai; ESSO (Earth System Science Organisation ); About medium range weather forecasting: Short range: Up to 3 days; Medium range: 3-10 days; Extended range: 10-30 days; Long range (seasonal): 1-6 months; NCMRWF specializes in medium range forecasting.
Option (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Incorrect: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change ( MoEFCC ) deals with environmental protection, forest management, wildlife conservation, and climate change policies — it does NOT oversee NCMRWF; weather forecasting organizations (including NCMRWF) fall under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (c) Ministry of Cooperation — Incorrect: The Ministry of Cooperation was created in July 2021 to strengthen the cooperative movement in India — it oversees cooperative societies, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, etc.; it has absolutely no connection to NCMRWF (National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting), which is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Option (d) Ministry of Education — Incorrect: The Ministry of Education oversees India's educational institutions, universities, IITs, and educational policy; it has no connection to NCMRWF; the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting is a scientific research organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, not the Ministry of Education.

SSC GD 2026 – 22 May 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q25. For how many years is the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) appointed?

(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 5
(d) 6

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 3

Correct Answer: 3 years — Option (b)
The Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is appointed for a term of 3 years. About the SCO Secretariat and Secretary-General: The Permanent Secretariat of the SCO is located in Beijing, China; The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the SCO; Term: 3 years (not renewable — each member state provides one Secretary-General on a rotation basis); Appointment: Each SCO member state nominates a candidate for Secretary-General on a rotating basis; the candidate is approved by the Council of Heads of State (the SCO's supreme body); About the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ): Founded: June 15, 2001 in Shanghai, China; Original members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan (the 'Shanghai Six'); Expanded: India and Pakistan joined as full members in June 2017 at the Astana Summit; Iran joined in July 2023 at the New Delhi Summit; Belarus joined in 2024; Current full members (10): China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus; Objectives: Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among member states, promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transportation, tourism, environmental protection, and other fields.
Option (a) 2 — Incorrect: The Secretary-General of the SCO is appointed for a 3-year term, not 2 years.
Option (c) 5 — Incorrect: The SCO Secretary-General serves for 3 years (not 5 years); a 5-year term is common for heads of some other international organizations but not the SCO.
Option (d) 6 — Incorrect: The SCO Secretary-General is appointed for a 3-year term, not 6 years; 6-year terms are associated with some other international positions. The candidate selected this incorrect option.

SSC GD 2026 – 22 May 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q26. 'Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative' is an initiative of _____.

(a) India
(b) Madagascar
(c) Kenya
(d) Maldives

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) India

Correct Answer: India — Option (a)
The 'Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative' (IPOI) is an initiative of India. About the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI): Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2019; Nature: A collaborative, non-treaty-based initiative for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region; Objectives: To promote peace, stability, sustainable development, and enhanced maritime security in the Indo-Pacific; Seven Pillars of IPOI: Maritime Security — led by India; Maritime Ecology — led by India and Australia; Maritime Resources — led by France (associated via its Indian Ocean territories); Capacity Building and Resource Sharing — led by Japan; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management — led by Australia; Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation — led by India and USA; Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport — led by India; Significance: IPOI positions India as a key security provider and development partner in the Indo-Pacific; It complements India's 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision articulated by PM Modi in 2015; IPOI aligns with India's Act East Policy and the Quad (India, USA, Japan, Australia) framework; The initiative is non-military in nature and emphasizes rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and sustainable development; Context: India sees the Indo-Pacific region (stretching from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas) as crucial to its strategic interests, given India's 7,500 km coastline and dependence on sea lanes for trade.
Option (b) Madagascar — Incorrect: The Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative was launched by India's PM Modi at the 2019 East Asia Summit — it is India's initiative, not Madagascar's; Madagascar, as an island nation in the Indian Ocean, may be a beneficiary or participant, but it did not launch IPOI.
Option (c) Kenya — Incorrect: The IPOI is India's initiative — Kenya is not the launching nation; Kenya is a partner in Indian Ocean frameworks but did not launch the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative.
Option (d) Maldives — Incorrect: The Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative was launched by India, not Maldives; the Maldives is an important partner in India's Indian Ocean strategy, but IPOI is specifically India's PM Modi's initiative launched at the 2019 East Asia Summit. The candidate selected this incorrect option.

SSC GD 2026 – 22 May 2026 Shift 3 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q27. KABIL is currently looking for opportunities to acquire important mineral assets like Lithium (Li) and Cobalt (Co) in some countries. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

(a) Australia
(b) Argentina
(c) Chile
(d) Canada

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Canada

Correct Answer: Canada — Option (d)
Canada is NOT one of the primary target countries where KABIL is looking to acquire Lithium and Cobalt mineral assets. About KABIL: Full name: Khanij Bidesh India Limited; Established: 2019; It is a joint venture company formed by three Navratna CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises): NALCO (National Aluminium Company Limited), HCL (Hindustan Copper Limited), MECL (Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited); Purpose: To identify, acquire, explore, and develop strategic mineral assets (critical minerals) abroad for India's domestic needs; Focus minerals: Lithium (for EV batteries, energy storage), Cobalt (for batteries, aerospace), Nickel, and other critical minerals; Countries where KABIL is actively pursuing acquisitions: Argentina: MoU signed with CAMYEN SE (Catamarca province) for lithium exploration; Argentina is part of the 'Lithium Triangle' (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile — which hold over 50% of world's lithium reserves); Chile: One of the world's top lithium producers; KABIL exploring opportunities; Australia: Rich in both lithium (major global producer) and cobalt; KABIL is exploring Australian mineral opportunities; Bolivia: Part of the Lithium Triangle; Significant lithium salt flats (Salar de Uyuni); Canada: While Canada has significant mineral resources (nickel, cobalt in Ontario), Canada is NOT typically listed as a primary target country for KABIL's current strategic mineral acquisition efforts.
Option (a) Australia — Incorrect: Australia IS one of KABIL's target countries — Australia is among the world's top lithium and cobalt producers; KABIL is actively exploring acquisition opportunities there; Australia is therefore NOT the answer to 'which is NOT a target country'.
Option (b) Argentina — Incorrect: Argentina IS a major target country for KABIL — KABIL signed an MoU with Argentina's CAMYEN SE for lithium exploration in the Catamarca region; Argentina is part of the 'Lithium Triangle'; therefore Argentina is a KABIL target, not the answer. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (c) Chile — Incorrect: Chile IS a target country for KABIL's mineral acquisition efforts — Chile is the world's second-largest lithium producer and has significant cobalt reserves; Chile is part of the 'Lithium Triangle' and KABIL is exploring opportunities there.

SSC GD 2026 – 22 May 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q28. Which of the following statements is correct about G-20?
I. Its summit is organized every year.
II. India has not hosted any summit after its establishment.

(a) Only I
(b) Only II
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only I

Correct Answer: Only I — Option (a)
Only Statement I is correct about G-20. Statement I Analysis — 'G-20 summit is organized every year' (CORRECT): The G-20 Leaders' Summit is indeed held every year — rotating among member countries; Past summits: 2018 — Buenos Aires, Argentina; 2019 — Osaka, Japan; 2020 — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (virtual due to COVID); 2021 — Rome, Italy; 2022 — Bali, Indonesia; 2023 — New Delhi, India; 2024 — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2025 — Johannesburg, South Africa; The Presidency rotates annually among G-20 members; Statement II Analysis — 'India has not hosted any summit after its establishment' (INCORRECT): India DID host the G-20 Leaders' Summit on September 9-10, 2023 in New Delhi; Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi; Key outcome: The New Delhi Declaration (consensus document adopted by all 20 members); Significant achievement: The African Union (AU) was admitted as a permanent G-20 member during the India Presidency; India's G-20 theme: ' Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ' (One Earth, One Family, One Future); Statement II is therefore INCORRECT — India has hosted a G-20 summit.
Option (b) Only II — Incorrect: Statement II ('India has not hosted any summit') is FALSE — India hosted the G-20 Summit in September 2023 in New Delhi; Statement II cannot be 'correct'; Only Statement I is correct.
Option (c) Both I and II — Incorrect: Statement I is correct (G-20 summit is held every year) but Statement II is INCORRECT (India DID host the 2023 G-20 Summit); therefore 'Both I and II' is wrong. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (d) Neither I nor II — Incorrect: Statement I IS correct — the G-20 Leaders' Summit IS organized every year; 'Neither I nor II' would mean both statements are wrong, which is incorrect since Statement I is true.

SSC GD 2026 – 21 May 2026 Shift 2 · International organisations and headquarters

Q29. The Global Terrorism Index is released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, located in _____.

(a) Australia
(b) USA
(c) Germany
(d) Sweden

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Australia

Correct Answer: Australia — Option (a)
The Global Terrorism Index is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. About the Global Terrorism Index (GTI): Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP); Measures: The GTI quantifies the impact of terrorism in 163 countries, including the number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage; Rankings: Countries are scored and ranked — higher scores indicate greater impact of terrorism; Recent trends: Historically conflict-affected regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Sub-Saharan Africa have topped the list; India's ranking varies; About IEP: The Institute for Economics and Peace is an independent, non-partisan think-tank; Headquarters: Sydney, Australia (with offices in New York, Brussels, The Hague, Mexico City, and Harare); Founded by: Steve Killelea (Australian businessman and philanthropist) in 2008; Other IEP publications: Global Peace Index (GPI — annual ranking of countries by their level of peacefulness), Ecological Threat Register (ETR), and Positive Peace Index.
Option (b) USA — Incorrect: The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) is headquartered in Sydney, Australia — not in the USA; while IEP has an office in New York (USA), its headquarters and founding are Australian. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (c) Germany — Incorrect: The IEP is not headquartered in Germany; it is an Australian organization based in Sydney; Germany hosts other think-tanks and international organizations but not the IEP.
Option (d) Sweden — Incorrect: Sweden is home to other important international research institutions (like SIPRI — Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which publishes data on military spending and arms transfers) but NOT the IEP; the IEP that publishes the Global Terrorism Index is based in Sydney, Australia.

SSC GD 2026 – 20 May 2026 Shift 2 · United Nations and its agencies

Q30. For how many years is the UN Secretary-General appointed?

(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 5
(d) 6

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 5

Correct Answer: 5 years — Option (c)
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is appointed for a term of 5 years, which can be renewed once (for a maximum of two terms, i.e., 10 years total). The appointment process: The Secretary-General is appointed by the UN General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council; Since the Security Council must recommend the appointment, all five permanent members (P5: USA, UK, France, Russia, China) have an informal veto over the selection; By convention, the Secretary-General cannot be from a country that is a permanent member of the Security Council. Current Secretary-General: António Guterres (Portugal) was first appointed in January 2017 and reappointed for a second 5-year term starting January 2022 (until December 2026). Previous Secretaries-General: Ban Ki-moon (2007-2016), Kofi Annan (1997-2006), Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1992-1996), etc.
Option (a) 2 years — Incorrect: The UN Secretary-General's term is 5 years, not 2 years; a 2-year term would be too short for effective leadership of the world's foremost international organization.
Option (b) 3 years — Incorrect: The UN Secretary-General serves a 5-year term, not a 3-year term; the 5-year term allows sufficient time to implement agenda items and build institutional relationships.
Option (d) 6 years — Incorrect: The UN Secretary-General's term is 5 years (not 6 years), renewable for one additional 5-year term. The UN Charter and practice establish a 5-year renewable term.

SSC GD 2026 – 18 May 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q31. Chabahar Port is strategically located at the crossroads of which three regions?

(a) East Asia, South Asia and Africa
(b) South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East
(c) Europe, Central Asia and East Asia
(d) South America, Africa and South Asia

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East

Correct Answer: South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East — Option (b)
Chabahar Port, located in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran on the Gulf of Oman, is strategically positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This strategic location makes it vital for: India to access Afghanistan and Central Asian countries (bypassing Pakistan); Iran to serve as a transit hub connecting these three regions; Afghanistan and Central Asian landlocked nations to access the Indian Ocean through Iran. India has invested significantly in developing Chabahar Port as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to connect with Central Asia and Russia, reducing dependence on trade routes through Pakistan.
Option (a) East Asia, South Asia and Africa — Incorrect: Chabahar is not at the crossroads of East Asia and Africa; it connects South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Option (c) Europe, Central Asia and East Asia — Incorrect: While Chabahar is part of trade routes connecting to Europe (via Iran), it is specifically at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Option (d) South America, Africa and South Asia — Incorrect: Chabahar Port's strategic significance relates to South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East — not South America or Africa.

SSC GD 2026 – 18 May 2026 Shift 1 · United Nations and its agencies

Q32. Which organisation publishes the Global Education Monitoring Report?

(a) UNESCO
(b) UNDP
(c) World Bank
(d) WIPO

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) UNESCO

Correct Answer: UNESCO — Option (a)
The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report is published annually by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The GEM Report is an editorially independent annual report hosted and published by UNESCO since 2002. It monitors progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) — Quality Education — and its 10 targets, as well as education-related targets in other SDGs. The report tracks the inclusion, equity, and quality of education globally, analysing data from countries worldwide. Each annual report focuses on a specific theme (e.g., technology in education, inclusivity, etc.).
Option (b) UNDP — Incorrect: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme ) publishes the Human Development Report (HDR) and Human Development Index (HDI); it does not publish the Global Education Monitoring Report.
Option (c) World Bank — Incorrect: The World Bank publishes various education-related reports and the World Development Report, but not the Global Education Monitoring Report.
Option (d) WIPO — Incorrect: WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) deals with intellectual property rights; it has no role in publishing the Global Education Monitoring Report.

SSC GD 2026 – 9 May 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q33. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in _____.

(a) New Delhi
(b) Tehran
(c) Islamabad
(d) Shanghai

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Shanghai

Correct Answer: Shanghai — Option (d)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in Shanghai, China on June 15, 2001, making it named after the city of its founding. The founding members were China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The SCO evolved from the 'Shanghai Five' group (formed in 1996) to address security, political, economic, and cultural cooperation among member states. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017. Iran joined in 2023. Belarus became a member in 2024. The SCO is headquartered in Beijing, China.
Option (a) New Delhi — Incorrect: New Delhi is India's capital; the SCO was not established there. India joined as a full member only in 2017.
Option (b) Tehran — Incorrect: Tehran is Iran's capital; Iran joined SCO as a full member in 2023. The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001.
Option (c) Islamabad — Incorrect: Islamabad is Pakistan's capital; Pakistan became a full SCO member in 2017. The SCO was not established in Islamabad.

SSC GD 2026 – 9 May 2026 Shift 2 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q34. Which of the following Acts created a separate authority
for food safety in India?

(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(b) National Food Security Act, 2013
(c) Competition Act, 2002
(d) Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Correct Answer: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — Option (a)
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as an independent statutory body for regulating food safety and standards in India. FSSAI is responsible for setting science-based standards for food articles, regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import, and ensuring the availability of safe food for human consumption. FSSAI replaced multiple earlier food-related laws and bodies (Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954, Fruit Products Order 1955, etc.) with a single, unified regulatory framework.
Option (b) National Food Security Act, 2013 — Incorrect: The NFSA 2013 ensures subsidised food grain entitlements for eligible beneficiaries (PDS); it did not create a separate food safety regulatory authority.
Option (c) Competition Act, 2002 — Incorrect: The Competition Act, 2002 established the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to regulate anti-competitive practices; it has nothing to do with food safety.
Option (d) Consumer Protection Act, 2019 — Incorrect: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 established the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA); it deals with consumer rights broadly, not specifically food safety regulation.

SSC GD 2026 – 9 May 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q35. Which of the following countries is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?

(a) Iran
(b) France
(c) Singapore
(d) Iraq

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Singapore

Correct Answer: Singapore — Option (c)
Singapore is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand by five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The current 10 ASEAN member states are: Brunei (1984), Cambodia (1999), Indonesia (1967), Laos (1997), Malaysia (1967), Myanmar (1997), Philippines (1967), Singapore (1967), Thailand (1967), and Vietnam (1995). ASEAN's headquarters is in Jakarta, Indonesia. East Timor (Timor-Leste) is in the process of becoming the 11th member.
Option (a) Iran — Incorrect: Iran is a Middle Eastern country and is not a member of ASEAN; Iran is a member of the OIC, ECO, and other regional organisations .
Option (b) France — Incorrect: France is a Western European country and is not an ASEAN member. France is a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN but not a full member.
Option (d) Iraq — Incorrect: Iraq is a Middle Eastern country and is not a member of ASEAN.

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 9 May 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q36. In which year was the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan established for the development and promotion of Sanskrit?

(a) 1990
(b) 1970
(c) 1960
(d) 1980

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 1970

Topic: Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan
The Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education (formerly HRD).
It was established in1970as Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan to promote and develop Sanskrit education in India.
The institution has its headquarters in New Delhi and operates various campuses across India.
Answer: Option 2 → 1970

SSC GD 2026 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · United Nations and its agencies

Q37. How many non-permanent members are there in the UN Security Council?

(a) 5
(b) 7
(c) 10
(d) 15

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 10

Correct Answer: 10 — Option (c)
The United Nations Security Council has 15 members in total: 5 Permanent Members (P5) — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — who hold veto power, and 10 Non-Permanent Members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms on a rotational basis. The non-permanent seats are distributed among regional groups: Africa (3), Asia-Pacific (2), Latin America and Caribbean (2), Western Europe and Others (2), and Eastern Europe (1).
Option (a) 5 — Incorrect: 5 is the number of permanent members (P5), not the non-permanent members.
Option (b) 7 — Incorrect: The UN Security Council does not have 7 non-permanent members; the correct number is 10.
Option (d) 15 — Incorrect: 15 is the total membership of the Security Council (5 permanent + 10 non-permanent), not the number of non-permanent members alone.

SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 2 · International organisations and headquarters

Q38. Which international organisation is associated with the 'Towards 1000' (TW1000) strategy?

(a) World Trade Organisation (WTO)
(b) International Court of Justice (ICJ)
(c) International Solar Alliance (ISA)
(d) SAARC

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Correct Answer: International Solar Alliance (ISA) — Option (c)
The 'Towards 1000' (TW1000) strategy is associated with the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The ISA launched this strategy with the goal of mobilising USD 1,000 billion (1 trillion dollars) in solar energy investments by 2030, making solar the leading source of energy globally. The strategy also aims to deploy 1,000 GW of solar capacity and provide solar energy access to 1,000 million people, especially in developing countries. The ISA was jointly launched by India and France at the COP21 Paris Climate Summit in 2015 and is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
Option (a) WTO — Incorrect: The World Trade Organisation deals with international trade rules; it is not associated with solar energy strategies like TW1000.
Option (b) ICJ — Incorrect: The International Court of Justice settles legal disputes between nations; it has no connection to solar energy strategies.
Option (d) SAARC — Incorrect: SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is a regional grouping; the TW1000 strategy belongs to the International Solar Alliance.

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q39. Which institution was founded by Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?

(a) Planning Commission
(b) Reserve Bank of India
(c) Indian Economic Forum
(d) Indian Statistical Institute

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Indian Statistical Institute

Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893-1972)
FoundedIndian Statistical Institute (ISI)in Kolkata in 1931.
Known as the 'Father of Indian Statistics'.
Also contributed to India's Second Five-Year Plan.
Answer: Option 4 → Indian Statistical Institute

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 2 · United Nations and its agencies

Q40. What is the full form of UNDP?

(a) United Nations Deployment Programme
(b) Union of Nations Deployment Programme
(c) United Nations Development Programme
(d) Union of Nations Development Programme

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) United Nations Development Programme

UNDP Full Form
UNDP stands forUnited Nations Development Programme.
Key Facts:
• Established in 1965 by UN General Assembly
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Works in 170+ countries for sustainable development
• Focuses on poverty reduction, governance, climate action
Answer: Option 3 → United Nations Development Programme

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 3 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q41. Which institution handles the promotion of Classical Languages under the Ministry of Education?

(a) Archaeological Survey of India
(b) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
(c) Sahitya Akademi of India
(d) Central Institute of Indian Languages

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Central Institute of Indian Languages

Classical Languages Promotion
Under Ministry of Education,Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)handles promotion of Classical Languages.
CIIL is located in Mysore, Karnataka.
Classical Languages in India:Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia.
CIIL conducts research, training, and development programs for these languages.
Answer: Option 4 → Central Institute of Indian Languages

SSC GD 2026 – 28 April 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q42. What commodity was sent by India to Afghanistan for the first time through Chabahar port in 2017?

(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Oil
(d) Machinery

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Wheat

Correct Answer: Wheat — Option (b)
In October 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes (approximately 1.1 lakh metric tonnes ) of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port in Iran, marking the first use of this maritime route for trade with Afghanistan. Chabahar port, located on the Gulf of Oman in southeastern Iran, provides India an alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. The wheat shipment was a humanitarian gesture and also demonstrated the strategic importance of the Chabahar route. India has been investing in the development of Chabahar port as part of its geopolitical strategy to access Afghanistan and Central Asian markets. The port agreement between India and Iran was signed in May 2016 during PM Modi's visit to Tehran.
Option (a) Rice — Incorrect: India did not send rice as the first commodity through Chabahar to Afghanistan in 2017; the first shipment via Chabahar port to Afghanistan was wheat (1.1 million tonnes ) in October 2017.
Option (c) Oil — Incorrect: Oil was not the first commodity sent from India to Afghanistan via Chabahar in 2017; the historic first shipment was wheat, sent as both a humanitarian gesture and a demonstration of the route's viability.
Option (d) Machinery — Incorrect: Machinery was not the first commodity India sent to Afghanistan through Chabahar port in 2017; the landmark first shipment was 1.1 million tonnes of wheat in October 2017.

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 March 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q43. In which of the following years was the School of Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (SMMME) established at Bhubaneswar?

(a) 1995
(b) 1984
(c) 2002
(d) 2012

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 2012

Topic:School of Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (SMMME)
Location:Bhubaneswar(IIT Bhubaneswar)
The SMMME was established as one of the initial schools when IIT Bhubaneswar started its academic operations.
Year of Establishment:2012
Answer: Option 4 → 2012

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 24 March 2026 Shift 2 · Founders and founding years

Q44. The National Small Industries Corporation was established in India in _____.

(a) 1954
(b) 1975
(c) 1982
(d) 1955

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 1955

National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)
Established:1955
Purpose: Promote, aid and foster growth of small scale industries in India.
Functions: Marketing support, credit facilities, technology support, and raw material assistance to MSMEs.
Answer: Option 4 → 1955

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q45. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?

(a) Thailand
(b) Indonesia
(c) Myanmar
(d) India

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) India

Topic: ASEAN Membership
ASEANwas founded in 1967 with 5 original members.
Current 10 members:Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia.
Indiais NOT a member of ASEAN but has dialogue partner status and participates in ASEAN+1 summits.
Answer: Option 4 → India

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q46. In which year did India officially join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a full member?

(a) 2008
(b) 2021
(c) 2012
(d) 2017

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 2017

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
India was grantedobserver statusin SCO in 2005.
India and Pakistan both becamefull memberson9 June 2017at the Astana Summit in Kazakhstan.
SCO is a Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001.
Answer: Option 4 → 2017

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 3 · Research institutes and laboratories

Q47. Which of the following is the headquarters of ICAR-Central Institute on Fisheries Education?

(a) Thiruvananthapuram
(b) Panaji
(c) Mumbai
(d) Vishakhapatnam

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Mumbai

Topic:ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE)
CIFE is a deemed university under ICAR.
Headquarters:Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in 1961 for fisheries education and research.
Answer: Option 3 → Mumbai

SSC MTS 2025 – 18 February 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q48. The Steel Authority of India was created in _____.

(a) 1956
(b) 1960
(c) 1973
(d) 1985

Answer & solution

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) was created in 1973. It was incorporated as a company under the Companies Act and is one of the largest state-owned steel-making companies in India. 1956 refers to the establishment of the first integrated steel plants; 1960 and 1985 are incorrect dates.

SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q49. The secretariat of SAARC was set up in ____.

(a) Dhaka
(b) Kathmandu
(c) New Delhi
(d) Thimphu

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Kathmandu

The SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Secretariat was established in Kathmandu, Nepal on 17 January 1987. The Secretariat coordinates and monitors the implementation of SAARC activities and serves as the administrative centre of the regional grouping comprising eight South Asian nations.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Dhaka: Bangladesh's capital was the site of the first SAARC Summit (1985), not the secretariat.
- New Delhi: India's capital is home to many international organisations, but the SAARC Secretariat is in Kathmandu.
- Thimphu: Bhutan's capital; not the location of the SAARC Secretariat.

SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 1 · Research institutes and laboratories

Q50. In ______, the European Southern Observatory is constructing the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), poised to be the world's largest optical telescope.

(a) Chile
(b) India
(c) USA
(d) France

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Chile

The correct answer is Chile (Option 1). The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is being constructed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) at Cerro Armazones in the Atacama Desert of Chile. With a primary mirror of 39.3 metres , it will be the world's largest optical/infrared telescope. Option 2 (India) hosts TMT (Thirty Metre Telescope, proposed). Options 3 and 4 are incorrect locations for ELT.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q51. Coal Mines Authority Limited (CMAL) with headquarters at Calcutta, was set up by the Government in May, _____ to manage non-coking coal mines.

(a) 1969
(b) 1971
(c) 1973
(d) 1977

Answer & solution

Correct Answer: 3 – 1973.
Coal Mines Authority Limited (CMAL) was set up by the Government of India in May 1973, with its headquarters in Calcutta (Kolkata). It was established to manage the non-coking coal mines after their nationalisation under the Coal Mines ( Nationalisation ) Act, 1973. Later, it was merged into Coal India Limited (CIL) which was formed in 1975.
Options 1 (1969), 2 (1971), and 4 (1977) are incorrect years.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 1 · International organisations and headquarters

Q52. Which of the following countries is NOT part of Mineral Security Partnership?

(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) India
(d) China

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) China

Correct Answer: 4 – China.
The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is a US-led initiative launched in 2022 to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. Its members include the USA, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, UK, and the European Union. India joined the MSP in 2023.
China is NOT a member of the MSP. In fact, the MSP was largely formed to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
Australia (Option 1), Canada (Option 2), and India (Option 3) are all members of the MSP.

SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 3 · Founders and founding years

Q53. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis established the _____.

(a) Reserve Bank of India
(b) State Bank of India
(c) Indian Statistical Institute
(d) National Sample Survey Office

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Indian Statistical Institute

The correct answer is Indian Statistical Institute (Option 3). Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972) founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata in 1931. He is known for the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure. Option 1 is incorrect as RBI was established by the RBI Act, 1934. Option 2 is incorrect as SBI was formed in 1955. Option 4 is incorrect as NSSO (now NSO) is a government body, not founded by Mahalanobis.

SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 2 · Research institutes and laboratories

Q54. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), which completed 125 years in 2024, is located in which Indian state?

(a) Kerala
(b) Telangana
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Maharashtra

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: 3 – Tamil Nadu.
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) is located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, in the Palani Hills. It was established in 1899 and completed 125 years of operation in 2024. It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and is one of the oldest solar observatories in the world.
Kerala (Option 1), Telangana (Option 2), and Maharashtra (Option 4) do not have the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.

SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q55. The Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline project is associated with India and _____.

(a) Bhutan
(b) Nepal
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Bangladesh

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Nepal

Correct Answer: 2 – Nepal.
The Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline is the first cross-border petroleum pipeline project between India and Nepal. It connects Motihari in Bihar (India) to Amlekhgunj in Bara district (Nepal). The pipeline was inaugurated in 2019 and supplies petroleum products (especially aviation turbine fuel and diesel) from India to Nepal.
Bhutan (Option 1), Sri Lanka (Option 3), and Bangladesh (Option 4) are not associated with this pipeline project.

SSC MTS 2025 – 6 February 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q56. The Oil and Natural Gas Commission was set up in _____.

(a) 1950
(b) 1956
(c) 1975
(d) 1985

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 1956

Correct Answer: 2 (1956)
The Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) was set up in 1956 as a statutory body under the Oil and Natural Gas Commission Act. It was later converted into a public limited company (ONGC Ltd.) in 1993.
Option 1 (1950) is incorrect - that is the year the Planning Commission was established.
Option 3 (1975) is incorrect.
Option 4 (1985) is incorrect.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 12 January 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q57. Which of the following distinguishes SAARC from BIMSTEC in terms of organizational functionality?

(a) BIMSTEC is led by China
(b) SAARC excludes landlocked countries
(c) BIMSTEC operates better due to exclusion of India-Pakistan rivalry
(d) SAARC includes Russia and Iran

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) BIMSTEC operates better due to exclusion of India-Pakistan rivalry

Option 3 is correct. SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) has been largely paralyzed due to the persistent India-Pakistan rivalry — any decision requires consensus, so bilateral tensions effectively block regional cooperation. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) excludes Pakistan, which allows India to engage with South and Southeast Asian neighbors more effectively without the India-Pakistan deadlock.
• Option 1 is wrong: BIMSTEC is not led by China; China is not a member. Members are India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Option 2 is wrong: SAARC does not exclude landlocked countries — Nepal and Bhutan (landlocked) are members.
• Option 4 is wrong: SAARC does not include Russia or Iran; its members are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 12 January 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q58. The QUAD grouping has launched various non-military initiatives in recent years. Which of the following highlights QUAD's role beyond defense collaboration?

(a) Development of military drones for export
(b) Establishing a joint naval fleet
(c) COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy and critical tech cooperation
(d) Cyber war training across Asia

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy and critical tech cooperation

Option 3 is correct. Beyond its strategic security role, QUAD (comprising India, USA, Japan, Australia) has expanded into non-military domains. A key initiative was the Quad Vaccine Partnership launched in 2021, committing to produce and distribute up to 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses across the Indo-Pacific. QUAD also collaborates on critical and emerging technologies (semiconductors, 5G, AI), climate change, and cybersecurity.
• Option 1 is wrong: Development of military drones for export is not a QUAD initiative; it is a defense sector activity not specifically associated with QUAD.
• Option 2 is wrong: QUAD has no joint naval fleet; it conducts joint naval exercises (like Malabar), but these are periodic exercises, not a standing fleet.
• Option 4 is wrong: Cyber war training across Asia is not a documented QUAD initiative; QUAD's cyber cooperation focuses on securing critical infrastructure, not training for offensive cyber warfare.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 12 January 2026 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q59. BIMSTEC's relevance has grown in India's foreign policy due to what?

(a) India's decreased interest in ASEAN
(b) The collapse of SAARC
(c) Focus on Bay of Bengal regional cooperation
(d) BRICS inviting Pakistan

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Focus on Bay of Bengal regional cooperation

Option 3 is correct. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) groups nations around the Bay of Bengal — India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. Its growing relevance in India's foreign policy stems from its geographic and strategic focus on Bay of Bengal connectivity, trade, and maritime security, which aligns with India's Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
• Option 1 is wrong: India's interest in ASEAN has not decreased — ASEAN remains a key pillar of India's Act East Policy.
• Option 2 is wrong: SAARC has not formally collapsed; it remains dormant due to India-Pakistan tensions, which is one reason India has pivoted toward BIMSTEC, but SAARC's collapse is not the stated cause of BIMSTEC's rise.
• Option 4 is wrong: BRICS has not invited Pakistan, and this is unrelated to BIMSTEC's relevance in India's foreign policy.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 12 January 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q60. The BIMSTEC Charter emphasizes which of the following as a foundational goal?

(a) Regional integration through trade, tech, and transport
(b) Expansion of Western alliances in South Asia
(c) Promoting Chinese Belt and Road goals
(d) Formation of a unified currency block

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Regional integration through trade, tech, and transport

Regional integration through trade, tech, and transport is correct. The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Charter, formally adopted in 2022, emphasizes regional integration and cooperation among its seven member states (India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan). Its foundational goals include promoting trade and investment, connectivity (transport links), technology sharing, energy cooperation, and people-to-people ties across the Bay of Bengal region.
• Expansion of Western alliances in South Asia: BIMSTEC is an independent Asian regional grouping, not an extension of Western alliances like NATO.
• Promoting Chinese Belt and Road goals: China is not a member of BIMSTEC; BIMSTEC operates independently of China's BRI.
• Formation of a unified currency block: BIMSTEC does not aim to create a common currency; it is a multi-sectoral cooperation initiative, not a monetary union.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 10 January 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q61. What is the primary purpose of the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) launched during G20 India 2023?

(a) Military base establishment
(b) Climate change resolution
(c) Creating a trade route connecting India to Europe via Middle East
(d) Promoting sports diplomacy

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Creating a trade route connecting India to Europe via Middle East

IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) was announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit in September 2023. Its primary purpose is to establish a new multi-modal trade route connecting India to Europe via the Middle East using a combination of rail and sea links, reducing transit time and costs compared to existing routes.
(1) IMEC is a trade and economic initiative, not a military alliance.
(2) Climate change is addressed through separate agreements like the Paris Accord, not through IMEC.
(4) Sports diplomacy is entirely unrelated to IMEC's trade corridor purpose.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 10 January 2026 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q62. QUAD is often described as the 'Asian NATO' because of what?

(a) It funds peacekeeping operations
(b) It includes European powers
(c) It is a formal military alliance
(d) It seeks to ensure Indo-Pacific security through cooperation among four democracies

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) It seeks to ensure Indo-Pacific security through cooperation among four democracies

Option d is correct . The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) comprising India, USA, Japan, and Australia is called the 'Asian NATO' because it aims to ensure a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region through security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint naval exercises among these four democracies — similar in concept to how NATO ensures security in the North Atlantic.
• Option 1 is wrong: QUAD does not fund peacekeeping operations; that is a UN function.
• Option 2 is wrong: QUAD includes no European powers; it is entirely Indo-Pacific focused.
• Option 3 is wrong: QUAD is not a formal military alliance with mutual defense treaties; it is a strategic dialogue and cooperation framework.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 10 January 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q63. India's neighborhood policy aims to build strong bilateral relations with South Asian countries, but challenges like the China-Nepal Trans-Himalayan Corridor threaten India's regional primacy. Why is this corridor considered a strategic concern for India?

(a) It diverts Ganga river flow
(b) It enables direct Chinese access to Indian borders via infrastructure
(c) It connects Nepal to Bhutan bypassing India
(d) It allows Pakistan direct control of Kathmandu

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It enables direct Chinese access to Indian borders via infrastructure

Option b is correct . The China-Nepal Trans-Himalayan Corridor (part of China's BRI) involves building roads, railways, and other infrastructure through Nepal connecting China to the Nepal-India border. This gives China direct logistical and strategic access to India's borders, enabling rapid military movement and reducing India's traditional geographic buffer zone.
• Option 1 is wrong: The corridor does not divert the Ganga river flow; it is a transport infrastructure project.
• Option 3 is wrong: The corridor connects Nepal to China, not Nepal to Bhutan bypassing India.
• Option 4 is wrong: Pakistan has no role in the China-Nepal corridor; it does not grant Pakistan control over Kathmandu.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 9 January 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q64. The IMEC project is being developed as an alternative to which major trade route?

(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Silk Road
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Panama Canal

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Suez Canal

IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit in 2023, is envisioned as an alternative to the Suez Canal, connecting India to Europe via the Middle East through sea and rail links.
(1) The Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
(2) The Silk Road was the ancient overland trade network.
(4) The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q65. What is the main strategic advantage for India in developing Iran's Chabahar Port?

(a) Bypasses China-Pak route to Afghanistan
(b) Access to Arctic trade
(c) Alternative to Suez Canal
(d) Reduces dependency on Maldives

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bypasses China-Pak route to Afghanistan

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Bypasses China-Pak route to Afghanistan
Chabahar Port, located on Iran's southeastern coast, provides India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan. This is strategically significant because:
1. It bypasses the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistani territory, giving India an independent trade and connectivity route.
2. It allows India to send goods to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries via Iran's road and rail network.
3. It counters China's Gwadar Port (Pakistan) by providing an alternative regional connectivity hub.
India signed a 10-year contract with Iran in 2024 to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Arctic trade): Chabahar is on the Arabian Sea and has no relevance to Arctic trade routes.
Option 3 (Alternative to Suez Canal): Chabahar is a port, not a canal alternative. It does not replace the Suez Canal function.
Option 4 (Reduces dependency on Maldives): The Maldives is not relevant to Chabahar's strategic purpose.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q66. Which of the following is a key Indian Ocean nation participating in India's SAGAR initiative?

(a) Uzbekistan
(b) Seychelles
(c) Nepal
(d) Bhutan

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Seychelles

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Seychelles
SAGAR stands for 'Security and Growth for All in the Region', a vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 in Mauritius. It outlines India's maritime strategy for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India's SAGAR initiative focuses on:
• Maritime security cooperation
• Blue economy development
• Disaster response
• Capacity building for Indian Ocean island nations
Seychelles is a key island nation in the Indian Ocean that actively participates in SAGAR. India has provided Seychelles with patrol vessels, a Dornier aircraft, and is developing infrastructure on Assumption Island.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan is a landlocked Central Asian country with no Indian Ocean coastline.
Option 3 (Nepal): Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan country — not an Indian Ocean nation.
Option 4 (Bhutan): Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan country — not an Indian Ocean nation.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q67. Which of the following is NOT a member of the BIMSTEC grouping?

(a) Bangladesh
(b) Myanmar
(c) Maldives
(d) Bhutan

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Maldives

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Maldives
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) has 7 member countries:
1. Bangladesh 2. India 3. Myanmar 4. Sri Lanka
5. Thailand 6. Nepal 7. Bhutan
Maldives is NOT a member of BIMSTEC. The Maldives is an Indian Ocean island nation and is a member of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), but not BIMSTEC. Note that Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Maldives are SAARC members but NOT BIMSTEC members.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Bangladesh): Bangladesh IS a founding member of BIMSTEC (established in Bangkok in 1997).
Option 2 (Myanmar): Myanmar IS a member of BIMSTEC.
Option 4 (Bhutan): Bhutan IS a member of BIMSTEC.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 7 January 2026 Shift 1 · Founders and founding years

Q68. Which scientist founded the Indian Statistical Institute and contributed significantly to economic planning?

(a) Asaf Ali
(b) P.C. Mahalanobis
(c) Govind Ballabh Pant
(d) Sukumar Sen

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) P.C. Mahalanobis

Correct Answer: Option 2 – P.C. Mahalanobis
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (P.C. Mahalanobis ) founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata in 1931. He made major contributions to statistics ( Mahalanobis Distance) and played a key role in India's economic planning, especially in designing the Second Five Year Plan (1956–61), which emphasised heavy industries.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Asaf Ali): He was a freedom fighter and diplomat, not a statistician or economist.
Option 3 (Govind Ballabh Pant): He was a politician and India's first Home Minister, not associated with ISI or economic planning.
Option 4 (Sukumar Sen): He was India's first Chief Election Commissioner, not related to ISI.

Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 7 January 2026 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q69. QUAD is a strategic forum involving India and which three other countries?

(a) USA, China, Japan
(b) USA, Japan, Australia
(c) USA, Russia, Australia
(d) UK, Japan, Australia

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) USA, Japan, Australia

Correct Answer: Option 2 – USA, Japan, Australia
QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a strategic grouping of four Indo-Pacific democracies:
1. India
2. United States of America (USA)
3. Japan
4. Australia
The QUAD was first established in 2007 by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and was revived in 2017. It promotes a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The group cooperates on areas including maritime security, infrastructure, climate, vaccines, critical technologies, and cyber security.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (USA, China, Japan): China is not part of QUAD; in fact, QUAD is seen partly as a counterbalance to China's influence.
Option 3 (USA, Russia, Australia): Russia is not a member of QUAD.
Option 4 (UK, Japan, Australia): UK is not a member of QUAD; it is part of a separate grouping called AUKUS (with USA and Australia).

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q70. Anil Kumar Lahoti was appointed as the new Chairman of TRAI in 2024. What does TRAI regulate?

(a) Railways
(b) Airports
(c) Telecom services
(d) Stock Markets

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Telecom services

The correct answer is (c) Telecom services.
TRAI stands for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. It was established in 1997 under the TRAI Act to regulate telecom services, protect the interests of consumers, and ensure fair competition in the telecommunications sector. Anil Kumar Lahoti was appointed as its new Chairman in 2024.
(a) Railways: Regulated by the Railway Board under the Ministry of Railways; a separate sector from telecommunications.
(b) Airports: Regulated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the AERA (Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India); not TRAI.
(d) Stock Markets: Regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India); not related to telecommunications.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q71. The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was initially established between India and which countries as a trilateral framework for maritime security cooperation?

(a) Sri Lanka & Maldives
(b) Bhutan & Nepal
(c) Myanmar & Thailand
(d) UAE & Oman

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sri Lanka & Maldives

The correct answer is (a) Sri Lanka & Maldives.
The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was originally established as a trilateral security framework between India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives in 2011 (initially called the 'Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation Framework'). It focuses on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and human trafficking. Mauritius joined as the 4th member in 2020.
(b) Bhutan & Nepal: These Himalayan nations are not part of the CSC; their security cooperation with India follows bilateral frameworks.
(c) Myanmar & Thailand: Southeast Asian countries; not part of the CSC which is an Indian Ocean security framework.
(d) UAE & Oman: Gulf nations; not part of the CSC maritime security framework.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q72. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) connects India with which regions, providing a multimodal transport link for trade and economic cooperation?

(a) Central Asia and Russia
(b) South-East Asia
(c) Africa
(d) Australia

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Central Asia and Russia

The correct answer is (a) Central Asia and Russia.
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200 km multimodal (ship, rail, road) transport network linking India to Russia via Iran and the Caspian Sea region, passing through Central Asian countries. Established in 2000 by India, Iran, and Russia, it provides a shorter and cheaper alternative to the traditional Suez Canal route for India-Russia trade.
(b) South-East Asia: Connected to India via ASEAN connectivity projects and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway; not the INSTC route.
(c) Africa: Connectivity to Africa is pursued through other maritime routes and agreements; not the INSTC.
(d) Australia: India-Australia connectivity uses Indo-Pacific maritime routes; not connected via INSTC.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q73. The "One Belt One Road (OBOR)" initiative, focused on regional connectivity and infrastructure development, is primarily led by which country?

(a) India
(b) Russia
(c) China
(d) USA

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) China

The correct answer is (c) China.
The One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. It is a massive infrastructure and connectivity project aimed at reviving ancient Silk Road trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond through a network of railways, roads, ports, and pipelines. India has not participated in BRI due to concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
(a) India: India has opposed the BRI, particularly the CPEC component; India is developing its own connectivity initiatives.
(b) Russia: Participates in BRI but does not lead it; develops its own Eurasian Economic Union.
(d) USA: Has not participated in BRI; the USA has developed the Blue Dot Network as an alternative to BRI's infrastructure financing.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q74. Which country hosts the headquarters of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), promoting maritime cooperation, trade, and sustainable ocean management?

(a) South Africa
(b) Mauritius
(c) Australia
(d) India

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Mauritius

The correct answer is (b) Mauritius.
The headquarters of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is located in Ebène, Mauritius. IORA was established in 1997 and has 23 member states bordering the Indian Ocean. It promotes regional cooperation in trade, maritime safety, fisheries, disaster risk management, and academic-science-technology cooperation.
(a) South Africa: A founding member of IORA; while an important member, it does not host the IORA headquarters.
(c) Australia: A founding member and active participant in IORA; does not host the headquarters.
(d) India: India is a founding member and one of the most active IORA members; New Delhi hosts many IORA events, but the permanent headquarters is in Mauritius.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q75. The "Matarbari Port," a strategic maritime infrastructure project, is being developed in which country to enhance trade and regional connectivity?

(a) Bangladesh
(b) Myanmar
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Indonesia

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bangladesh

The correct answer is (a) Bangladesh.
The Matarbari Deep Sea Port is being developed in Matarbari, Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh, with assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is one of Bangladesh's most ambitious infrastructure projects, aimed at creating Bangladesh's first deep sea port to boost trade, reduce logistical costs, and enhance regional maritime connectivity.
(b) Myanmar: Has its own port development projects (like the Kyaukphyu deep sea port funded by China); Matarbari is in Bangladesh.
(c) Sri Lanka: Has the Colombo Port (being expanded) and Hambantota Port; Matarbari Port is not in Sri Lanka.
(d) Indonesia: An archipelagic nation with many ports; Matarbari Port is not in Indonesia.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q76. The Sittwe Port, being developed by India under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit project, is located in which country?

(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Myanmar
(c) Thailand
(d) Bangladesh

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Myanmar

The correct answer is (b) Myanmar.
Sittwe Port is located in Myanmar (Rakhine State). It is being developed by India under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which aims to connect Kolkata (India) to Mizoram (Northeast India) via Myanmar using sea, river, and road transport. This reduces transport distance to Northeast India significantly.
(a) Sri Lanka: Has its own ports like Colombo and Hambantota; Sittwe is not in Sri Lanka.
(c) Thailand: Not the location of Sittwe Port; India's trilateral highway passes through Thailand but Sittwe is in Myanmar.
(d) Bangladesh: India has separate connectivity projects with Bangladesh (like the Agartala- Akhaura rail link); Sittwe Port is not in Bangladesh.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q77. The Zaranj –Delaram Highway, constructed to enhance regional connectivity and trade, was built by India in which country?

(a) Iran
(b) Afghanistan
(c) Pakistan
(d) Turkmenistan

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Afghanistan

The correct answer is (b) Afghanistan.
The Zaranj –Delaram Highway (218 km) was built by India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Afghanistan, connecting the Afghan city of Delaram to Zaranj near the Iranian border. Completed in 2009, it provides Afghanistan an alternative trade route to the sea via Iran, bypassing Pakistan. India invested approximately $150 million in this project.
(a) Iran: The highway connects Afghanistan to the Iranian border but is located within Afghanistan; it was built by India in Afghanistan.
(c) Pakistan: India does not have a highway construction project in Pakistan.
(d) Turkmenistan: India has some connectivity interests in Turkmenistan (TAPI pipeline), but the Zaranj -Delaram Highway is in Afghanistan.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q78. India's 'SAGAR' doctrine primarily focuses on which area of cooperation, security, and economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region?

(a) Cyber security
(b) Maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean
(c) Defence manufacturing
(d) Cultural diplomacy

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is India's vision for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean, articulated by PM Narendra Modi in March 2015 in Mauritius. It focuses on maritime security, sustainable development of ocean resources, and cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states.
(a) Incorrect: Cyber security is addressed by India's National Cyber Security Policy and CERT-In; it is not the primary focus of the SAGAR doctrine.
(b) Incorrect: Defence manufacturing is promoted through 'Make in India' in Defence and the Defence Acquisition Procedure; it is not the primary focus of the SAGAR doctrine.
(c) Incorrect: Cultural diplomacy is handled through ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations); the SAGAR doctrine focuses specifically on maritime cooperation.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 3 · International organisations and headquarters

Q79. The headquarters of the 'International Solar Alliance' (ISA), an initiative led by India, is located in which city?

(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Gurugram
(d) Bengaluru

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Gurugram

The headquarters of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is located in Gurugram (Haryana), India, at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) campus. ISA was co-founded by India and France in 2015.
(a) Incorrect: New Delhi is the political capital but ISA's HQ is specifically situated in Gurugram, not New Delhi.
(b) Incorrect: Mumbai is India's financial capital but has no connection to the ISA headquarters.
(c) Incorrect: Bengaluru hosts ISRO and tech companies, but ISA's HQ is in Gurugram.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 3 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q80. The 'Kyaukpyu Port' project, aimed at strategic maritime connectivity, is being developed by which country in Myanmar?

(a) Japan
(b) India
(c) China
(d) USA

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) China

The Kyaukpyu Port project in Myanmar is a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China is developing this deep-sea port to gain strategic maritime access in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
(a) Incorrect: Japan's strategic investments in Myanmar are limited and do not include the Kyaukpyu Port project.
(b) Incorrect: India has expressed interest in Myanmar's Sittwe Port (Kaladan project), not Kyaukpyu.
(c) Incorrect: The USA is not developing Kyaukpyu Port; this is a China-Myanmar bilateral project under BRI.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q81. Which country is not a member of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), a regional organization promoting maritime cooperation among island states?

(a) Comoros
(b) Mauritius
(c) Seychelles
(d) Saudi Arabia

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Saudi Arabia

The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising five island nations: Comoros, France (for Reunion), Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Saudi Arabia is not a member.
(a) Incorrect: Comoros is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Commission.
(b) Incorrect: Mauritius is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Commission.
(c) Incorrect: Seychelles is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Commission.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 3 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q82. 'Ayni Air Base' is an air facility that India uses for strategic purposes. In which country is this base located?

(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Tajikistan
(c) Bhutan
(d) Uzbekistan

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tajikistan

Ayni Air Base is located near Dushanbe in Tajikistan. India has used this facility for strategic purposes, making it a significant part of India's Central Asian security engagement.
(a) Incorrect: Kazakhstan hosts the Baikonur Cosmodrome (space launch facility), not Ayni Air Base.
(b) Incorrect: Bhutan does not host any Indian air bases; India-Bhutan cooperation is primarily ground-based.
(c) Incorrect: Uzbekistan does not host India's Ayni Air Base; the base is in Tajikistan.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q83. Which Japanese Prime Minister coined the phrase "Asia's Democratic Security Diamond," linking Quad partners strategically?

(a) Yasuo Fukuda
(b) Shinzo Abe
(c) Taro Aso
(d) Yoshihide Suga

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Shinzo Abe

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe coined "Asia's Democratic Security Diamond" in a 2012 article, proposing a diamond-shaped framework linking Japan, Australia, India, and the US (the Quad) to safeguard the maritime commons from the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific.
(a) Incorrect: Yasuo Fukuda was PM from 2007-2008; he was not associated with the Democratic Security Diamond concept.
(c) Incorrect: Taro Aso was PM from 2008-2009; while a Quad supporter, the specific phrase was coined by Shinzo Abe.
(d) Incorrect: Yoshihide Suga was PM from 2020-2021; he continued Abe's Quad legacy but did not coin the phrase.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q84. What is unique about the institutional status of the Quad compared to NATO?

(a) Quad is treaty-based; NATO is informal
(b) Quad has a permanent headquarters
(c) Quad is informal diplomacy, not a formal alliance
(d) Quad mandates military interoperability

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Quad is informal diplomacy, not a formal alliance

Unlike NATO (founded on the legally binding North Atlantic Treaty, 1949, with a permanent HQ in Brussels and Article 5 collective defense), the Quad has no founding treaty, no permanent secretariat, and no binding mutual defense commitments.
(a) Incorrect: This reverses the facts; the Quad is informal and lacks a treaty, while NATO is treaty-based.
(b) Incorrect: The Quad has no permanent headquarters; it operates through periodic leader summits and foreign minister meetings.
(d) Incorrect: The Quad does not mandate military interoperability; it is an informal diplomatic dialogue without binding military requirements.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 2 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q85. The 'Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023' was passed to create a new body for?

(a) Funding scientific research
(b) Building new roads
(c) Regulating sports
(d) Controlling the media

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Funding scientific research

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023 was enacted to establish the ANRF, which aims to fund, coordinate, and promote research and development in science and technology across India's universities, colleges, and research institutions.
(b) Incorrect: Building roads is the domain of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHAI, not the ANRF.
(c) Incorrect: Regulating sports falls under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and respective sports federations, not the ANRF.
(d) Incorrect: Controlling media is handled by regulatory bodies like the Press Council and MIB, not the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q86. The 'Maitri Setu' (Friendship Bridge) was constructed over the Feni river, connecting India's Tripura with which neighbouring country?

(a) Myanmar
(b) Nepal
(c) Bhutan
(d) Bangladesh

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bangladesh

Maitri Setu is a 1.9 km long bridge built over the Feni river, connecting Sabroom in Tripura (India) with Ramgarh in Bangladesh. It was inaugurated in March 2021 by PM Narendra Modi. The bridge facilitates trade and people-to-people connectivity between India and Bangladesh, and gives Tripura access to Chittagong Port.
(a) Incorrect: Myanmar borders Mizoram and Manipur; the Feni river bridge is not connected to Myanmar.
(b) Incorrect: Nepal is a landlocked country sharing borders with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, etc., not Tripura.
(c) Incorrect: Bhutan borders Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal; Maitri Setu is not connected to Bhutan.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q87. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and tourism links in Asia?

(a) Laos
(b) India
(c) Vietnam
(d) Pakistan

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Pakistan

The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative, launched in 2000 at Vientiane, Laos, has six member countries: India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Pakistan is NOT a member. MGC aims to promote cooperation in tourism, culture, education, and people-to-people contacts between India and five ASEAN countries along the Mekong river.
(a) Incorrect: Laos is a founding member of MGC; the initiative was launched in Vientiane, Laos.
(b) Incorrect: India is a core member of MGC, with the Ganga river representing India's side.
(c) Incorrect: Vietnam is a member of MGC, being one of the five ASEAN nations in this framework.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 24 December 2025 Shift 3 · International organisations and headquarters

Q88. Which of the following best describes Transparency International's mission?

(a) To reduce inequality and promote fairness in global economies.
(b) To stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity.
(c) To regulate unethical business practices and enhance global trade.
(d) To promote sustainable development and reduce global poverty.

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) To stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity.

The correct answer is To stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity (Option 2).
Transparency International (TI) is a global non-governmental organisation founded in 1993, headquartered in Berlin. Its core mission is to stop corruption worldwide and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in governments, businesses, and civil society. It publishes the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
Option 1 - Reduce inequality and promote fairness: Reducing inequality is more aligned with organisations like Oxfam or the UNDP; TI specifically focuses on anti-corruption.
Option 3 - Regulate unethical business practices: Business regulation is the domain of competition authorities and trade regulators; TI focuses on exposing and combating corruption.
Option 4 - Promote sustainable development and reduce global poverty: This mission aligns with organisations like the UNDP and World Bank; TI's focus is specifically on anti-corruption.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 23 December 2025 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q89. Chabahar Port is located on which body of water?

(a) Persian Gulf
(b) Arabian Sea
(c) Gulf of Oman
(d) Caspian Sea

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Gulf of Oman

The correct answer is Gulf of Oman (Option 3).
Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, is situated on the Gulf of Oman. It is a strategically important port that India has invested in to access Central Asia and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan, as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Option 1 - Persian Gulf: Chabahar is not on the Persian Gulf; it is on the Gulf of Oman (the mouth of the Persian Gulf, opening to the Arabian Sea).
Option 2 - Arabian Sea: The Gulf of Oman is a part of the Arabian Sea; however, more specifically, Chabahar is on the Gulf of Oman.
Option 4 - Caspian Sea: The Caspian Sea is a landlocked body of water in Central Asia; Chabahar is not located near it.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q90. In which year was the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) established?

(a) 1985
(b) 1980
(c) 1990
(d) 1995

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 1985

SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when the leaders of seven South Asian nations (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives) signed the SAARC Charter. Afghanistan joined later as the eighth member in 2007. Option 1 is correct.
Option 2 is wrong: 1980 predates the establishment of SAARC; the idea for SAARC was first proposed by Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman in 1980, but the formal establishment occurred in 1985.
Option 3 is wrong: 1990 is after SAARC was already established in 1985; by 1990, SAARC had already held multiple summits and developed regional cooperation frameworks.
Option 4 is wrong: 1995 is a decade after SAARC's founding in 1985; the organization had been operational and holding summits for ten years by this time.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 2 · United Nations and its agencies

Q91. What does the acronym WIPO stand for?

(a) World International Patent Office
(b) World Intellectual Property Organization
(c) Worldwide Information Protection Organization
(d) World Innovation Protection Office

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) World Intellectual Property Organization

WIPO stands for World Intellectual Property Organization. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, responsible for promoting the protection of intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets) worldwide and administering international IP treaties. India is a member of WIPO. Option 2 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: 'World International Patent Office' is not the correct full form of WIPO; while WIPO does administer the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), it covers all forms of intellectual property, not just patents, and is an 'Organization' not an 'Office.'
Option 3 is wrong: 'Worldwide Information Protection Organization' is not the correct expansion; WIPO deals with intellectual property rights (patents, copyrights, trademarks) — not 'information protection' in the data security sense.
Option 4 is wrong: 'World Innovation Protection Office' is not the correct full form; WIPO's mandate covers intellectual property broadly and it is an 'Organization' (a UN specialized agency), not merely an 'office.'

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 3 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q92. "Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation" among India, Sri Lanka & Maldives was formalized through:

(a) SAGAR Vision
(b) Colombo Security Conclave
(c) SAARC Convention
(d) Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Colombo Security Conclave

The correct answer is Colombo Security Conclave (Option 2).
The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a trilateral maritime and security cooperation framework among India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives (with Mauritius as an observer), formally institutionalized to address shared security challenges in the Indian Ocean.
Option 1 - SAGAR Vision: 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' is India's broader maritime doctrine for the Indian Ocean region, not a specific trilateral mechanism.
Option 3 - SAARC Convention: SAARC is a regional organization with eight South Asian members; it is not a trilateral mechanism for these three countries.
Option 4 - Indian Ocean Naval Symposium: A multilateral naval forum with many member nations, not limited to India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.

Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 3 · Indian organisations and headquarters

Q93. In 2023, the Government of India announced the formation of a 'National Board' for which spice, to promote its growth and export?

(a) Cardamom
(b) Black Pepper
(c) Turmeric
(d) Cumin

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Turmeric

The correct answer is Turmeric (Option 3).
In 2023, the Government of India announced the establishment of a National Turmeric Board to promote the production, processing, and export of turmeric, India being the world's largest producer and exporter.
Option 1 - Cardamom: Governed by the Spices Board of India; no separate National Board for cardamom was announced in 2023.
Option 2 - Black Pepper: Also under the Spices Board of India; no dedicated national board was announced in 2023.
Option 4 - Cumin: Does not have a dedicated national board announced in 2023.

SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 12 December 2025 Shift 1 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q94. Which of the following statements about South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is/are correct?
1) SARSO began functioning in 1985 to regulate tariffs and pricing in SAARC.
2) SARSO aims to harmonize standards and conformity assessments to boost intra-SAARC trade and global access.

(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 2 Both are correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct

Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Only 2

Correct Answer: Only 2 (Option 2)
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: SARSO was NOT established in 1985. SARSO (South Asian Regional Standards Organization) was established in 2008 under SAARC and became fully operational in 2010. Its mandate is NOT to regulate tariffs and pricing — that is the function of trade agreements. SARSO deals with technical standards.
Statement 2 is CORRECT: SARSO's primary objective is to harmonize technical standards and conformity assessment procedures among SAARC member nations to facilitate intra-SAARC trade, reduce technical barriers to trade, and improve access to global markets.
Therefore, only Statement 2 is correct.

SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 12 December 2025 Shift 2 · Regional groupings (SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, SCO, G20)

Q95. Which of the following is a key principle of the QUAD's (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) approach to the Indo-Pacific region?

(a) Inclusivity
(b) Exclusivity
(c) Multilateralism
(d) Bilateralism

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Inclusivity

Correct: Inclusivity.
The QUAD (comprising India, USA, Japan, Australia) promotes a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific — inclusivity is a stated core principle. It is not exclusive (open to regional cooperation), not strictly bilateral (involves 4 nations), and differs from traditional multilateral bodies.

SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 12 December 2025 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q96. According to the 1950 India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, what is one key provision agreed upon by both governments?

(a) Nepal's army under Indian command
(b) No diplomatic ties between India and Nepal
(c) Reciprocal rights of residence and trade
(d) Nepal to follow Indian Constitution

Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Reciprocal rights of residence and trade

Correct: Reciprocal rights of residence and trade.
The 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (Treaty of Sugauli's successor) grants citizens of both countries reciprocal rights to reside, own property, participate in trade and commerce in each other's territories. Nepal has full sovereignty and its own army. Diplomatic ties exist between both nations. Nepal has its own constitution.

SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 11 December 2025 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q97. Consider the following statements regarding the strategic objectives and features of IMEC:
1) IMEC is both an economic and political project linking Asia, the Gulf, and Europe.
2) IMEC cuts transport time and cost to Europe by 20% and 15% via maritime routes.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1 is correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only 1 is correct

Correct Answer: Only 1 is correct (Option 1)
Statement 1 is CORRECT: IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit (2023) is both an economic and geopolitical project aimed at strengthening trade and connectivity between India, the Gulf region (UAE, Saudi Arabia), and Europe.
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The figures quoted ( 20% time reduction and 15% cost reduction) are inaccurate. IMEC is projected to cut transport time by approximately 40% and cost by approximately 30% compared to the Suez Canal route, not 20% and 15%. The exaggerated benefit percentage in Statement 2 makes it factually incorrect.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q98. The IMEC is envisaged as a multi-modal corridor. Which of the following modes of transport are its primary components?

(a) Maritime and Rail only
(b) Road and Pipeline only
(c) Air, Rail, and Sea
(d) Air and Road only

Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Maritime and Rail only

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) , announced at the G20 Summit 2023, is a planned multi-modal transport corridor aimed at improving trade connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe. Its two primary components are: ( i ) Maritime routes – connecting Indian ports with Middle Eastern ports. (ii) Rail networks – linking Middle Eastern countries to Europe, creating faster and more efficient supply chains. This corridor will significantly reduce transportation time and cost while enhancing energy and trade cooperation.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 1 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q99. India’s support for which of the following missions aligns most closely with IMEC’s purpose?

(a) African Union’s Blue Charter mission
(b) Non-Aligned Movement’s Neutrality Declaration
(c) International Solar Alliance energy initiative
(d) One Sun One World One Grid initiative

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) One Sun One World One Grid initiative

The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is a major connectivity project aimed at enhancing trade, energy, and digital links between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Its core purpose is to establish a sustainable and integrated network for the smooth flow of goods, energy, and green technologies. India’s “One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)” initiative , which seeks to connect renewable energy grids across countries to ensure efficient solar energy sharing, aligns closely with IMEC’s vision. Both focus on sustainable connectivity, clean energy, and international cooperation .

SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 2 · India's foreign relations and connectivity projects

Q100. What is the primary mission behind India’s involvement in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)?

(a) To bypass China’s CPEC route via Taiwan
(b) To promote clean maritime security
(c) To facilitate transit trade through the Arctic
(d) To improve connectivity with Eurasia via multimodal routes

Answer & solution

Answer: (d) To improve connectivity with Eurasia via multimodal routes

The primary mission behind India’s involvement in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is to improve connectivity with Eurasia via multimodal routes . The INSTC is a 7,200 km long network of sea, rail, and road routes that connects India with Russia and Europe through Iran, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region. Its main purpose is to reduce transport costs and travel time for goods between India and Eurasia. Compared to traditional routes via the Suez Canal, INSTC can cut transit time by up to 40% and reduce costs by nearly 30%. This corridor strengthens India’s trade relations with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe, while also providing a strategic counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

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Q1. Which facility in Iran is being developed by India to enhance trade with Central Asia?

Q2. The International Solar Alliance primarily brings together nations that:

Q3. Which of the following reflects India's major support to the International Solar Alliance?

Q4. Which core objective defines India's engagement in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?

Q5. Which regions are interconnected through the IMEC corridor initiative?

Q6. Which statement correctly describes India's strategic use of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)?

Q7. Which of the below statements is/are correct?Statement 1: Maldives withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2016 due to human rights concerns.Statement 2: India is not a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Q8. Which Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation member state serves as the host for the Permanent Secretariat?

Q10. Which two countries jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015?

Q12. Which Indian leader made history in August 2024 by becoming the first Head of State to visit Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste?

Q13. The 'SAARC' Secretariat is located in which South Asian capital city?

Q14. Which geopolitical factor most significantly hinders India's direct land connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia through its western borders?

Q15. On May 13, 2026, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) signed a landmark MoU with SAMEER at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. SAMEER functions under which Union Ministry?

Q16. Which of the following organisations commemorated its 176th Foundation Day on 4 March 2026?

Q17. Where is the head office of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in India?

Q18. India became a founding member of which global organization promoting peace and cooperation?

Q19. What is the primary function of the Sahitya Akademi?

Q20. Which of the following organizations publishes the annual World Report 2025 reviewing global human rights practices?

Q21. India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in which of the following years?

Q22. At which BIMSTEC Summit was the decision taken to establish a Secretariat?

Q23. Through which declaration was the sub-regional group first established in 1997, which later evolved into BIMSTEC?

Q24. The abbreviation 'NCMRWF' is associated with which central ministry of the Government of India?

Q25. For how many years is the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) appointed?

Q26. 'Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative' is an initiative of _____.

Q27. KABIL is currently looking for opportunities to acquire important mineral assets like Lithium (Li) and Cobalt (Co) in some countries. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

Q28. Which of the following statements is correct about G-20?I. Its summit is organized every year.II. India has not hosted any summit after its establishment.

Q29. The Global Terrorism Index is released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, located in _____.

Q30. For how many years is the UN Secretary-General appointed?

Q31. Chabahar Port is strategically located at the crossroads of which three regions?

Q32. Which organisation publishes the Global Education Monitoring Report?

Q33. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in _____.

Q34. Which of the following Acts created a separate authorityfor food safety in India?

Q35. Which of the following countries is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?

Q36. In which year was the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan established for the development and promotion of Sanskrit?

Q37. How many non-permanent members are there in the UN Security Council?

Q38. Which international organisation is associated with the 'Towards 1000' (TW1000) strategy?

Q39. Which institution was founded by Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?

Q40. What is the full form of UNDP?

Q41. Which institution handles the promotion of Classical Languages under the Ministry of Education?

Q42. What commodity was sent by India to Afghanistan for the first time through Chabahar port in 2017?

Q43. In which of the following years was the School of Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (SMMME) established at Bhubaneswar?

Q44. The National Small Industries Corporation was established in India in _____.

Q45. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?

Q46. In which year did India officially join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a full member?

Q47. Which of the following is the headquarters of ICAR-Central Institute on Fisheries Education?

Q48. The Steel Authority of India was created in _____.

Q49. The secretariat of SAARC was set up in ____.

Q50. In ______, the European Southern Observatory is constructing the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), poised to be the world's largest optical telescope.

Q51. Coal Mines Authority Limited (CMAL) with headquarters at Calcutta, was set up by the Government in May, _____ to manage non-coking coal mines.

Q52. Which of the following countries is NOT part of Mineral Security Partnership?

Q53. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis established the _____.

Q54. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), which completed 125 years in 2024, is located in which Indian state?

Q55. The Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline project is associated with India and _____.

Q56. The Oil and Natural Gas Commission was set up in _____.

Q57. Which of the following distinguishes SAARC from BIMSTEC in terms of organizational functionality?

Q58. The QUAD grouping has launched various non-military initiatives in recent years. Which of the following highlights QUAD's role beyond defense collaboration?

Q59. BIMSTEC's relevance has grown in India's foreign policy due to what?

Q60. The BIMSTEC Charter emphasizes which of the following as a foundational goal?

Q61. What is the primary purpose of the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) launched during G20 India 2023?

Q62. QUAD is often described as the 'Asian NATO' because of what?

Q63. India's neighborhood policy aims to build strong bilateral relations with South Asian countries, but challenges like the China-Nepal Trans-Himalayan Corridor threaten India's regional primacy. Why is this corridor considered a strategic concern for India?

Q64. The IMEC project is being developed as an alternative to which major trade route?

Q65. What is the main strategic advantage for India in developing Iran's Chabahar Port?

Q66. Which of the following is a key Indian Ocean nation participating in India's SAGAR initiative?

Q67. Which of the following is NOT a member of the BIMSTEC grouping?

Q68. Which scientist founded the Indian Statistical Institute and contributed significantly to economic planning?

Q69. QUAD is a strategic forum involving India and which three other countries?

Q70. Anil Kumar Lahoti was appointed as the new Chairman of TRAI in 2024. What does TRAI regulate?

Q71. The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was initially established between India and which countries as a trilateral framework for maritime security cooperation?

Q72. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) connects India with which regions, providing a multimodal transport link for trade and economic cooperation?

Q73. The "One Belt One Road (OBOR)" initiative, focused on regional connectivity and infrastructure development, is primarily led by which country?

Q74. Which country hosts the headquarters of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), promoting maritime cooperation, trade, and sustainable ocean management?

Q75. The "Matarbari Port," a strategic maritime infrastructure project, is being developed in which country to enhance trade and regional connectivity?

Q76. The Sittwe Port, being developed by India under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit project, is located in which country?

Q77. The Zaranj –Delaram Highway, constructed to enhance regional connectivity and trade, was built by India in which country?

Q78. India's 'SAGAR' doctrine primarily focuses on which area of cooperation, security, and economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region?

Q79. The headquarters of the 'International Solar Alliance' (ISA), an initiative led by India, is located in which city?

Q80. The 'Kyaukpyu Port' project, aimed at strategic maritime connectivity, is being developed by which country in Myanmar?

Q81. Which country is not a member of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), a regional organization promoting maritime cooperation among island states?

Q82. 'Ayni Air Base' is an air facility that India uses for strategic purposes. In which country is this base located?

Q7. Which of the below statements is/are correct?
Statement 1: Maldives withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2016 due to human rights concerns.
Statement 2: India is not a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Q28. Which of the following statements is correct about G-20?
I. Its summit is organized every year.
II. India has not hosted any summit after its establishment.

Q34. Which of the following Acts created a separate authority
for food safety in India?

Q94. Which of the following statements about South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is/are correct?
1) SARSO began functioning in 1985 to regulate tariffs and pricing in SAARC.
2) SARSO aims to harmonize standards and conformity assessments to boost intra-SAARC trade and global access.