UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Different directions
Q1. In the context of its institutional evolution, which one of the following best describes the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)?
- A. A treaty-based military alliance with a mutual-defence clause and a permanent secretariat
- B. An informal strategic dialogue among India, the United States, Japan and Australia, without a treaty or permanent secretariat
- C. A United Nations-mandated maritime peacekeeping force for the Indian Ocean region
- D. A customs union setting common external tariffs for the Indo-Pacific
Q2. With reference to the evolution of the Quad, consider the following statements:
1. The Quad was first formalised in 2007 but became inactive after Australia's withdrawal in 2008.
2. Quad foreign ministers have met since 2019, whereas leaders'-level summits began only in 2021.
3. The 2017 revival elevated the Quad directly to a leaders'-summit format, bypassing the foreign-ministerial level.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The Quad was first formalised in 2007 but became inactive after Australia's withdrawal in 2008.
- Quad foreign ministers have met since 2019, whereas leaders'-level summits began only in 2021.
- The 2017 revival elevated the Quad directly to a leaders'-summit format, bypassing the foreign-ministerial level.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q3. With reference to how each Quad member was represented at the May 2026 New Delhi Foreign Ministers' Meeting, consider the following statements:
1. The United States was represented by its Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
2. Japan was represented by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
3. India, as host, was represented by its Defence Minister, while Australia was represented by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The United States was represented by its Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
- Japan was represented by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
- India, as host, was represented by its Defence Minister, while Australia was represented by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q4. The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting hosted by India in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 was which edition of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting?
- A. 9th
- B. 10th
- C. 11th
- D. 12th
Q5. Consider the following documents/outcomes said to have been issued at the May 2026 Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi:
1. Quad Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement
2. Quad Statement on Indo-Pacific Energy Security
3. Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework
4. Quad Digital Public Infrastructure Charter
Which of the above is/are NOT correct?
- Quad Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement
- Quad Statement on Indo-Pacific Energy Security
- Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework
- Quad Digital Public Infrastructure Charter
- A. 1 and 3
- B. 2 only
- C. 4 only
- D. 3 and 4
Q6. Consider the following:
1. Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC)
2. Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission
3. Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), augmented
4. Malabar Naval Exercise Command
Which of the above is/are correctly identified as maritime initiatives announced or advanced at the May 2026 Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting?
- Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC)
- Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission
- Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), augmented
- Malabar Naval Exercise Command
- A. 1 and 3 only
- B. 2 and 4 only
- C. 1, 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2, 3 and 4