UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India to host Foreign Minister-level meet of BRICS, Quad

Q1. The acronym 'BRIC', as originally coined in 2001, was used to designate which one of the following?

  • A. A set of large, fast-growing emerging-market economies grouped for their economic potential
  • B. A military alliance formed by treaty among Brazil, Russia, India and China
  • C. A regional trade bloc governed by a founding charter and secretariat
  • D. A United Nations-recognised regional organisation of the Global South

Q2. Under India's Chairship, BRICS in 2026 is guided by which one of the following overarching themes?

  • A. "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"
  • B. "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security"
  • C. "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance"
  • D. "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth"

Q3. Which one of the following was the most recent country to join BRICS as a full member?

  • A. Indonesia
  • B. Iran
  • C. United Arab Emirates
  • D. Ethiopia

Q4. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a grouping of how many member countries?

  • A. Three
  • B. Four
  • C. Five
  • D. Six

Q5. The hosting and coordination of India's participation in both the BRICS and Quad Foreign Ministers' meetings is handled by which Union ministry?

  • A. Ministry of External Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • C. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • D. Ministry of Defence

Q6. The military operation launched against Iran in February 2026, which formed the geopolitical backdrop to India's BRICS and Quad meetings, was jointly carried out by which of the following?

  • A. The United States and Israel
  • B. The United States and Saudi Arabia
  • C. Israel and the United Arab Emirates
  • D. The United States and the United Kingdom

Q7. Marco Rubio, whose 2026 visit to India coincided with India's efforts to host the Quad Foreign Ministers' engagement, holds which office in the U.S. administration?

  • A. Secretary of State
  • B. National Security Advisor
  • C. Secretary of Defense
  • D. U.S. Ambassador to India