UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on Catalonia region, Eurovision and more (Week 109)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), consider the following statements:

1. It is a financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems.

2. It is provided by the World Bank.

3. EFF offers short program engagement and a shorter repayment period.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board has approved “an immediate disbursement” of $1 billion (about Rs 8,500 crore) to Pakistan. This disbursement was made as part of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to Pakistan. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The 37-month EFF, agreed on September 25, 2024, calls for a total transfer of $7 billion to Pakistan. The current installment takes the total disbursements under the arrangement to around $2.1 billion.

— The Extended Fund Facility (EFF) provides financial support to countries experiencing substantial medium-term balance of payments challenges as a result of structural flaws that take time to correct. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— To assist nations in implementing medium-term structural changes, the EFF provides extended longer program engagement and longer repayment periods. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: http://www.imf.org)

QUESTION 2

The Catalonia region was recently in the news due to the formation of a toxic cloud of chlorine. The region is part of:

(a) Brazil

(b) China

(c) Japan

(d) Spain

Explanation

— After ordering more than 160,000 people to stay indoors in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia area due to a fire at an industrial warehouse that spewed a deadly cloud of chlorine, the regional government rescinded the order on Saturday, providing significant comfort to residents.

— A fire broke out at a swimming pool cleaning goods facility in Vilanova i la Geltrú, south of Barcelona, resulting in a dense mist of chlorine.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Alcatraz Island was recently in the news. The Island is located in:

(a) Portugal

(b) United States

(c) Denmark

(d) Russia

Explanation

— US President Donald Trump announced that he has authorised the government to rebuild and expand Alcatraz, a notorious former prison on an island near San Francisco that was abandoned more than 60 years ago. Alcatraz, considered one of the hardest jails of its time, would be reopened as a “symbol of law, order, and justice,” according to Trump in a Truth Social post.

— The prison was originally built as a defensive fort on Alcatraz Island, which is around 22 acres in size and located about 2 km offshore from San Francisco.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

To read more: Story of the infamous Alcatraz prison, which Trump wants to reopen now

QUESTION 4

The term “Eurovision” refers to”

(a) creating better transportation, mobility, or logistics within Europe.

(b) An innovation think tank focused on Europe’s future in science and technology.

(c) A European policy summit or political strategy platform.

(d) Annual song competition in Europe.

Explanation

— Eurovision, the beloved annual song competition, invites each eligible country to submit an original song in under three minutes to represent them. The show is typically hosted by the previous year’s winner and unfolds over three nights: two Semi-Finals and one Grand Final.

— The semi-finals are divided into two evenings, with ten acts from each night advancing to the Grand Final. They are joined by six pre-qualified countries, including the ‘Big Five’ (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and the previous year’s winner.

— National juries and public phone votes are then combined to choose the winner, who receives notoriety, a trophy, and the pricey luxury of hosting the following contest. As one quip goes, the victorious country gains the right to host it the following year.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Which African country is experiencing floods, and major roads were cut due to an overwhelmed drainage system and a growing urban population? This country has in the past suffered extreme climate shocks, including prolonged dry seasons that have caused drought.

The country mentioned in the above lines is:

(a) Egypt

(b) Sudan

(c) Somalia

(d) Angola

Explanation

— Heavy rains caused floods in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killing at least seven people and cutting off major roadways due to an overburdened drainage system and a rising urban population.

— The death toll could grow because of the strong rains, which lasted several hours and caused nine houses to fall across several neighbourhoods, as well as substantial damage to at least six main roadways.

— Somalia has previously experienced major climate shocks such as protracted dry seasons that caused drought and torrential rainfall that resulted in floods.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 108)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 109)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 109)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 109)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 109)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 108)

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