INDIAN NAVY’S TALL SHIP INS SUDARSHINI ARRIVES IN BALTIMORE, USA

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this visit ?

1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg
2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation
3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific
4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 2 and 3
2. B. 1 and 4
3. C. 3 and 4
4. D. 1 only

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 5 only

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS):
1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS.
2. The IAFS mechanism was instituted under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

1. A. Iran
2. B. Saudi Arabia
3. C. Oman
4. D. Kuwait

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?

1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 1, 2 and 4
3. C. 1, 3 and 4
4. D. 2, 3 and 4

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative' Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

1. A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
2. B. The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
3. C. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group NSG.
4. D. The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

1. A. China
2. B. Israel
3. C. Iraq
4. D. Yemen

Consider the following countries
1. Armenia
2. Azerbaijan
3. Croatia
4. Romania
5. Uzbekistan

Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic States?

1. A. 1, 2 and 4
2. B. 1 and 3
3. C. 2 and 5
4. D. 3, 4 and 5

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

With reference to the recent visit of INS Sudarshini to the USA, consider the following statements: 1. INS Sudarshini is an Indian Navy Sail Training Ship. 2. The transoceanic expedition undertaken by INS Sudarshini is named 'Lokayan 26'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

The Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini recently arrived at which US port as part of its transoceanic expedition 'Lokayan 26'?

1. A. Norfolk, Virginia
2. B. New York City
3. C. Baltimore, Maryland
4. D. Miami, Florida

The transoceanic voyage of INS Sudarshini, fostering friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust across the oceans, is stated to embody which of the following principles?

1. A. Atmanirbhar Bharat
2. B. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
3. C. Panchsheel
4. D. Look East Policy

The visit of INS Sudarshini to the USA, as part of 'Lokayan 26', highlights India's maritime heritage and strengthens bonds of friendship. Discuss how such naval goodwill visits contribute to India's strategic partnerships and broader foreign policy objectives, particularly in the context of India-US relations.

Introduce the context of the INS Sudarshini's visit, explain the multifaceted nature of naval diplomacy and its role in fostering strategic ties, and elaborate on its impact on India's foreign policy goals with specific reference to India-US relations.

The 'Lokayan 26' expedition of INS Sudarshini aims to highlight India's rich maritime heritage and embody the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. Analyze the role of cultural diplomacy and showcasing maritime traditions in enhancing India's soft power and fostering international goodwill.

Define cultural diplomacy and soft power, explain how showcasing maritime heritage contributes to these, and provide examples of how such expeditions achieve objectives like fostering international goodwill and embodying principles like 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.