SCO & BRICS — Set 2

Correct Answer: C. Russia

• **Russia** = This nation hosted the 16th BRICS Summit in its city of Kazan. • **2024** — This year, Russia hosted the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, which was significant as the first after the group's historic expansion. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Brazil: Hosted previous summits but not the 16th in 2024; India: Hosted previous summits but not the 16th in 2024; China: Hosted previous summits but not the 16th in 2024.

Correct Answer: D. The highest decision-making body

• **The highest decision-making body** = The Council of Heads of State is defined as this within the SCO structure. • **Once a year** — This Council meets annually to determine the strategy and priorities of the organization. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: An advisory panel: It is a decision-making body, not just advisory; A legislative wing: The SCO doesn't have a traditional legislative wing like a parliament; A judicial court: It is not a judicial body, but a political decision-making one.

Correct Answer: A. BRICS and SCO

• **BRICS and SCO** = The 'Ufa Declaration' was adopted during the twin summits of these two organizations. • **2015** — The Ufa Declaration was adopted during the joint summits of BRICS and SCO held in Russia in this year. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: ASEAN and G20: These groups did not issue the Ufa Declaration jointly; EU and NATO: These groups are not associated with the Ufa Declaration; BIMSTEC and SAARC: These regional groups are not associated with the Ufa Declaration.

Correct Answer: B. Italy

• **Italy** = This country is currently the only member of the G7 that also holds dialogue partner status with the SCO. • **Dialogue partners** — These nations share the goals and principles of the SCO and cooperate in specific areas, but do not have full membership or voting rights. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Germany: A G7 member, but not an SCO dialogue partner; France: A G7 member, but not an SCO dialogue partner; Japan: A G7 member, but not an SCO dialogue partner.

Correct Answer: C. China

• **China** = This country introduced the 'BRICS Plus' concept during its chairmanship. • **2017** — China introduced the 'BRICS Plus' concept during the Xiamen Summit in this year. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: South Africa: Chaired BRICS summits but did not introduce 'BRICS Plus'; Russia: Chaired BRICS summits but did not introduce 'BRICS Plus'; India: Chaired BRICS summits but did not introduce 'BRICS Plus'.

Correct Answer: D. Counter-terrorism

• **Counter-terrorism** = The SCO Peace Mission exercises are biennial multi-nation counter-terrorism drills. • **Biennial** — These multi-nation drills are designed to enhance coordination between the armed forces of SCO member states. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Naval warfare]: The SCO Peace Mission focuses on land-based threats like terrorism; [Space exploration]: This is outside the scope of military exercises; [Cyber defense]: While important, the primary focus is not solely cyber defense but broader counter-terrorism.

Correct Answer: A. New Development Bank

• **New Development Bank (NDB)** = The New Development Bank (NDB) was created to provide a dedicated funding source for emerging economies, offering an alternative to traditional Western-led financial institutions. • **Equal voting rights** — The bank ensures equal voting rights for all its founding members, distinguishing it from other institutions. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Asian Development Bank]: Focuses on Asia and is not specifically a BRICS initiative; [SCO Interbank]: A consortium for SCO members, not a bank for BRICS; [BRICS Central Bank]: No such central bank has been established; NDB is a development bank.

Correct Answer: B. Varanasi

• **Varanasi** = Varanasi was designated as the first-ever SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital. • **2022-23** — This was the specific period for which Varanasi held this designation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jaipur]: Known as the Pink City, it was not chosen as SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital; [Kochi]: A major port city, but not designated as the SCO Cultural Capital; [Lucknow]: Known for its cultural heritage, it was not the first SCO Cultural Capital.

Correct Answer: C. Global security and development

• **Global security and development** = The Kazan Declaration reaffirmed BRICS' commitment to a multipolar world and global development, addressing financial cooperation, security, and conflict resolution. • **2024** — The year of the Kazan Declaration, which was the first major declaration of the expanded 10-member BRICS group. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Space weapons]: Not the primary focus of the Kazan Declaration; [Environmental bans]: While environmental issues are important, the declaration had a broader scope than just bans; [Digital currency ban]: BRICS aims to facilitate payments in local currencies, not ban digital ones entirely.

Correct Answer: D. Council of Heads of Government

• **Council of Heads of Government** = The Council of Heads of Government is responsible for discussing economic cooperation and approving the SCO's budget. • **Annually** — The frequency at which the council meets to focus on practical implementation of economic goals. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Secretariat]: The main executive body, but budget approval is a higher-level decision; [RATS Council]: Focuses specifically on regional anti-terrorist issues, not the general budget; [Business Council]: Promotes business cooperation, not responsible for the organization's overall budget.