International Relations Prelims PYQs, 2022 to 2026

1. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 61
   Consider the following statements about river bridges connecting India with neighbouring countries:
   1. ‘Maitri Setu’, built over Feni river, connects Ramgarh in India with Sabroom in Bangladesh.
   2. Jhulaghat suspension bridge connects India with Myanmar.
   3. Mechi bridge and its approaches connect Panitanki Bypass in India with Kakarvitta in Nepal.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   1. 1 and 2
   2. 2 and 3
   3. 1 only
   4. 3 only
2. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 65
   Consider the following statements with respect to the AI Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi:
   1. The Summit’s intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras: People, Planning, and Progress.
   2. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws.
   3. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras (Pillars), which included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   1. 1, 2 and 3
   2. 1 and 2 only
   3. 2 and 3 only
   4. 3 only
3. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 66
   Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries?
   1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
   2. IMT Trilateral Highway
   3. Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 and 2
   2. 2 and 3
   3. 1 and 3
   4. 2 only
4. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 67
   Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

   List I (Project Supported by India)	List II (Country)
   A. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project	1. Maldives
   B. Restoration of Stor Palace	2. Afghanistan
   C. District Hospital at Dickoya	3. Bhutan
   D. Institute of Security and Law Enforcement Studies	4. Sri Lanka

   Code (A B C D):
   1. 1 4 2 3
   2. 3 2 4 1
   3. 3 4 2 1
   4. 1 2 4 3
5. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 69
   Consider the following statements about platforms for multilateral co-operation:
   1. The ‘Colombo Process’ is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus.
   2. The ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’ is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility.
   3. The ‘Global Forum for Migration and Development’, created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   1. 1, 2 and 3
   2. 1 and 3 only
   3. 2 and 3 only
   4. 2 only
6. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 70
   Consider the following UN organisations/agencies:
   1. World Food Programme
   2. United Nations Children’s Fund
   3. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
   4. International Labour Organisation
   How many of the above has/have been awarded the Nobel Prize twice?
   1. 1
   2. 2
   3. 3
   4. 4
7. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 71
   Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

   List I (UN Peacekeeping Operation)	List II (Period of Operation)
   A. UNMIL	1. 2007-2010
   B. MINURCAT	2. 2002-2005
   C. MINUSTAH	3. 2003-2018
   D. UNMISET	4. 2004-2017

   Code (A B C D):
   1. 3 4 1 2
   2. 3 1 4 2
   3. 2 1 4 3
   4. 2 4 1 3
8. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 72
   Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

   List I (BIMSTEC Centre / Establishment)	List II (Location)
   A. BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory	1. NOIDA
   B. BIMSTEC Energy Centre	2. Bengaluru
   C. BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate	3. Colombo
   D. BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility	4. Thimphu

   Code (A B C D):
   1. 3 2 1 4
   2. 3 1 2 4
   3. 4 2 1 3
   4. 4 1 2 3
9. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 75
   Which of the following countries are members of the European Union?
   1. Belarus
   2. Poland
   3. Germany
   4. Switzerland
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1, 2 and 4
   2. 1 and 4 only
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 2 and 4 only
10. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 76
    Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

    List I (INTERPOL Notice)	List II (Description)
    A. Silver Notice	1. To seek information on unidentified bodies
    B. Blue Notice	2. To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation
    C. Black Notice	3. To provide warning about a person’s criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety
    D. Green Notice	4. To identify and trace criminal assets

    Code (A B C D):
    1. 3 1 2 4
    2. 3 2 1 4
    3. 4 2 1 3
    4. 4 1 2 3
11. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 78
    The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are not correct in terms of outcomes of this visit?
    1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg
    2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation
    3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific
    4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 2 and 3
    2. 1 and 4
    3. 3 and 4
    4. 1 only
12. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 6
    Consider the following statements:
    I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. I and II only
    2. II and III only
    3. I and III only
    4. I, II and III
13. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 21
    Consider the following countries:
    I. Austria
    II. Bulgaria
    III. Croatia
    IV. Serbia
    V. Sweden
    VI. North Macedonia
    How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?
    1. Only three
    2. Only four
    3. Only five
    4. All the six
14. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 62
    India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect
    1. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
    2. India to Central Asia via China
    3. India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar
    4. India to Europe through Azerbaijan
15. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 67
    Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD):
    I. It provides loans and guarantees to middle income countries.
    II. It works single-handedly to help developing countries to reduce poverty.
    III. It was established to help Europe rebuild after the World War II.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. I and II only
    2. II and III only
    3. I and III only
    4. I, II and III
16. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 92
    Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:
    I. It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.
    II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.
    III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.
    IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of ‘tourism’ is being led by India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I and II
    2. II and III
    3. I and IV
    4. I only
17. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 95
    Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:
    I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
    II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I only
    2. II only
    3. Both I and II
    4. Neither I nor II
18. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 96
    Consider the following pairs:

    I.	International Year of the Woman Farmer	2026
    II.	International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism	2027
    III.	International Year of Peace and Trust	2025
    IV.	International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence	2029

    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All the four
19. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 97
    Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:
    I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan.
    II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.
    III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I and II
    2. II and III
    3. I and III
    4. I only
20. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 24
    Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:
    1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
    2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
    3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 2
    4. 2 and 3
21. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 59
    Consider the following statements:
    1. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
    2. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
22. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 67
    Consider the following countries:
    1. Italy
    2. Japan
    3. Nigeria
    4. South Korea
    5. South Africa
    Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?
    1. 1, 2 and 4
    2. 1, 3 and 5
    3. 2 and 4 only
    4. 3 and 5 only
23. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 82
    Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 1, 2 and 4
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 2, 3 and 4
24. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 91
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
    Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
25. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 97
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries.
    Statement-II: Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
26. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 30
    Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
    1. Affordable housing
    2. Mass rapid transport
    3. Health care
    4. Renewable energy
    On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
27. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 78
    Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine?
    1. Angola
    2. Costa Rica
    3. Ecuador
    4. Somalia
28. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 87
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the ‘Trade and Technology Council’.
    Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
29. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 89
    Consider the following statements:
    The ‘Stability and Growth Pact’ of the European Union is a treaty that
    1. limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union
    2. makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities
    3. enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
30. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 90
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)’.
    2. The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries.
    3. The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments.
    How many of the above statements are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
31. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 94
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
    Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
32. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 98
    In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them?
    1. Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements
    2. Establishment of Chinese military bases
    3. Southward expansion of Sahara Desert
    4. Successful coups
33. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 100
    Consider the following statements about G-20:
    1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.
    2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
34. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 1
    “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following?
    1. Asian Development Bank
    2. International Monetary Fund
    3. United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
    4. World Bank
35. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 4
    With reference to the “G20 Common Framework”, consider the following statements:
    1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.
    2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
36. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 66
    Consider the following:
    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
    2. Missile Technology Control Regime
    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
    India is a member of which of the above?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
37. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 67
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the recent years.
    2. Vietnam is led by a multi-party political system.
    3. Vietnam’s economic growth is linked to its integration with global supply chains and focus on exports.
    4. For a long time Vietnam’s low labour costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers.
    5. Vietnam has the most productive e-service sector in the Indo-Pacific region.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 2 and 4
    2. 3 and 5
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 1 and 2
38. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 76
    With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
    2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.
    3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 3 only
    2. 1 and 3
    3. 2 and 3
    4. 1 and 2
39. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 77
    Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?
    1. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
    2. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
    3. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
    4. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
40. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 78
    With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
    1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
    2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
    3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
41. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 82
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north-western Kenya.
    2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil war live in Bidibidi.
    3. Some people who fled from civil war in Somalia live in Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 only
    3. 2 and 3
    4. 3 only
42. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 83
    Consider the following countries:
    1. Armenia
    2. Azerbaijan
    3. Croatia
    4. Romania
    5. Uzbekistan
    Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic States?
    1. 1, 2 and 4
    2. 1 and 3
    3. 2 and 5
    4. 3, 4 and 5
43. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 85
    With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements:
    1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
    2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
    3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
44. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 86
    Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?
    1. It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
    2. China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
    3. A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
    4. Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

Take the timed test above to see the answers and explanations.