SCO & BRICS — Set 3
World Organizations · SCO और BRICS · Questions 21–30 of 60
The New Development Bank (NDB) officially admitted which country as a new member in 2021, despite it not being a BRICS member at that time?
Correct Answer: A. Egypt
• **Egypt** = Egypt was admitted as a member of the NDB in 2021, and later became a full BRICS member in 2024. • **2021** — The year Egypt was admitted to the NDB, demonstrating the bank's openness to non-BRICS UN member states. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Uruguay]: While potentially eligible, Uruguay was not the country that later became a full BRICS member in 2024; [Bangladesh]: Admitted to NDB in 2021, but not the country that became a full BRICS member in 2024; [Iran]: Joined BRICS in 2024 but was not admitted to NDB in 2021.
What is the primary objective of the SCO Interbank Consortium established in 2005?
Correct Answer: B. Supporting regional investment projects
• **Supporting regional investment projects** = The SCO Interbank Consortium was created to organize a mechanism for financing and banking services for investment projects, facilitating economic integration. • **2005** — The year the SCO Interbank Consortium was established. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Printing a new currency]: The consortium focuses on credit and financing, not currency creation; [Regulating stock markets]: This is typically a national regulatory function, not the consortium's primary objective; [Controlling inflation]: A macroeconomic policy goal, not the direct aim of this investment consortium.
Which country currently serves as the permanent observer of the SCO and has applied for full membership?
Correct Answer: C. Mongolia
• **Mongolia** = Mongolia has held permanent observer status in the SCO since 2004 and was the first country to be granted this status. • **2004** — The year Mongolia was granted observer status, making it the first. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Nepal]: Holds dialogue partner status, not permanent observer status; [Sri Lanka]: Holds dialogue partner status, not permanent observer status; [Cambodia]: Holds dialogue partner status, not permanent observer status.
The 'BRICS Pay' system is being developed to achieve which goal?
Correct Answer: D. Facilitating payments in local currencies
• **Facilitating payments in local currencies** = BRICS Pay is a decentralized payment system aimed at facilitating trade in national currencies and reducing dependence on the US Dollar. • **De-dollarization efforts** — The broader initiative of which BRICS Pay is a part, aimed at strengthening local currencies. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Standardizing tax rates]: This is a fiscal policy issue, not the objective of a payment system; [Eliminating cash]: While digital, the system aims to facilitate payments, not eliminate physical cash entirely; [Establishing a central bank]: BRICS Pay is a payment system, not a central banking institution.
Which mountain range is often cited as a symbolic link between the Central Asian members of the SCO?
Correct Answer: A. Pamir Mountains
• **Pamir Mountains** = The Pamir Mountains are a key geographical feature connecting several SCO member states, often called the 'Roof of the World'. • **'Roof of the World'** — The common name for the Pamir Mountains, highlighting their significant elevation and strategic importance for connectivity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Alps]: Located in Europe, not relevant to Central Asian SCO members; [Himalayas]: Primarily in South and East Asia, not the central link for Central Asian SCO members; [Ural Mountains]: Form a boundary between Europe and Asia, but not the specific symbolic link for Central Asian SCO members.
In which year was the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center officially launched?
Correct Answer: B. 2022
• **BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center** = The BRICS Vaccine R&D Center was officially launched to enhance health security and share knowledge for vaccine development among member nations. • **March 2022** — The exact launch date of the BRICS Vaccine R&D Center, spearheaded by India during its 2021 chairmanship. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [2018]: Incorrect year; the center was launched later; [2020]: Incorrect year; this was during the peak of the pandemic, but the launch was later; [2015]: Incorrect year; the initiative came much later.
The 'Samarkand Declaration' of 2022 highlighted the importance of which transport corridor for SCO members?
Correct Answer: C. International North-South Transport Corridor
• **International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)** = The Samarkand Declaration emphasized the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as vital for transit and trade goals of SCO members. • **2022** — The year of the Samarkand Declaration, which highlighted the importance of INSTC. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Pan-American Highway]: Connects North and South America, not relevant to SCO members; [Trans-Siberian Railway]: While in Russia, INSTC offers a broader multi-modal connection involving more SCO members; [Silk Road Economic Belt]: A major initiative, but the declaration specifically highlighted INSTC's importance.
The BRICS Business Council was established in 2013 during a summit held in which country?
Correct Answer: D. South Africa
• **South Africa** = The BRICS Business Council was launched during the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa, to promote business and trade ties. • **2013** — The year the BRICS Business Council was established during the 5th BRICS Summit. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [China]: Hosted BRICS Summits, but not the one where the Business Council was established; [Russia]: Hosted BRICS Summits, but not the one where the Business Council was established; [India]: Hosted BRICS Summits, but not the one where the Business Council was established.
Which of these is NOT considered one of the 'Three Evils' that the SCO aims to combat?
Correct Answer: A. Climate Change
• **Climate Change** = Climate Change is NOT one of the 'Three Evils' that the SCO aims to combat; its focus is on Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism. • **'Three Evils'** — The specific term used in the SCO's charter to define its core security threats: Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Terrorism]: Is explicitly listed as one of the 'Three Evils' by the SCO; [Separatism]: Is explicitly listed as one of the 'Three Evils' by the SCO; [Extremism]: Is explicitly listed as one of the 'Three Evils' by the SCO.
The 'Fortaleza Declaration' is famous for the creation of which specific institution?
Correct Answer: B. New Development Bank
• **New Development Bank (NDB)** = The Fortaleza Declaration, signed in 2014 by BRICS leaders, officially announced the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB). • **2014** — The year the Fortaleza Declaration was signed, leading to the creation of the NDB and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [SCO Secretariat]: Associated with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, not BRICS; [UN Security Council]: A UN body, established long before the Fortaleza Declaration; [G20 Secretariat]: No permanent G20 secretariat exists, and it is a different international forum.