UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Seychelles attains Independence today

Q1. During the February 2026 State Visit of the Seychelles President, India described Seychelles as an important maritime partner in its flagship maritime vision. Which one of the following is that vision?

  • A. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
  • B. MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
  • C. Project Mausam
  • D. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Q2. With reference to the India–Seychelles State Visit of February 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The visit coincided with both the 50th year of Seychelles' Independence and the 50th year of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations. 2. India agreed to assist Seychelles in setting up a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU). 3. The White Shipping Information Agreement between India and Seychelles was signed for the first time during this 2026 visit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The visit coincided with both the 50th year of Seychelles' Independence and the 50th year of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.
  2. India agreed to assist Seychelles in setting up a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU).
  3. The White Shipping Information Agreement between India and Seychelles was signed for the first time during this 2026 visit.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable on maritime trade and the blue economy, held in Mumbai during the February 2026 State Visit, was led on the Indian side by the Union Minister heading which one of the following Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • B. Ministry of External Affairs
  • C. Ministry of Earth Sciences
  • D. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Q4. In the context of the February 2026 India–Seychelles Joint Vision, the 'Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU)' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A unit, to be established with Indian assistance, for conducting hydrographic surveys and nautical charting of Seychelles' waters to support its blue economy
  • B. A joint naval task force that will permanently patrol Seychelles' exclusive economic zone against piracy
  • C. A satellite ground station gifted by India for ocean-colour and weather monitoring over the western Indian Ocean
  • D. A fisheries regulatory authority empowered to license all foreign deep-sea trawlers in Seychelles' waters

Q5. Seychelles, whose Golden Jubilee of Independence is being marked in 2026, attained full independence in 1976 within which one of the following groupings?

  • A. The Commonwealth of Nations
  • B. The Non-Aligned Movement as a founding member
  • C. La Francophonie (Organisation internationale de la Francophonie)
  • D. The Organisation of African Unity's federated council