The Iran conundrum and the decline of the West

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

1. A. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
2. B. India to Central Asia via China
3. C. India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar
4. D. India to Europe through Azerbaijan

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.

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

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

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

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

1. A. Some use uranium and other use thorium
2. B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
3. C. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and other are operated by domestic enterprises
4. D. Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?

1. A. India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
2. B. India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
3. C. India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
4. D. Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.

Consider the following countries -
1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan

Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

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

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

"The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.

"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?

"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…."
In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.

How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?

With reference to the 'initial deal' between the U.S. and Iran in mid-June 2026, as mentioned in the article, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The deal included a commitment by Iran not to develop a nuclear weapon. 2. The U.S. pledged to directly provide $300 billion in funds for Iran's reconstruction. 3. It led to the immediate and permanent lifting of all U.S. oil sanctions on Iran. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

The article mentions the 'Versailles II' agreement, signed in June 2026, drawing parallels with the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. What is the primary reason for this comparison, according to the article?

1. A. Both treaties were signed in the Palace of Versailles, France.
2. B. Both were widely criticized for imposing humiliating terms or representing a significant setback for a major power.
3. C. Both marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, favoring the Western powers.
4. D. Both involved the re-establishment of international monitoring bodies for nuclear programs.

Which of the following factors, according to the article, has contributed to the perceived waning of U.S. and Western supremacy in global affairs? 1. The rise of China's technological and innovative capabilities. 2. The growing prominence of certain 'middle powers'. 3. Iran's demonstrated endurance and resilience in conflicts. 4. The U.S.'s structural vulnerabilities. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

The recent U.S.-Iran deal, as described in the article, is portrayed as a significant setback to the image of the United States as a superpower. Analyze the implications of this perceived shift in global power dynamics for West Asian geopolitics and the future of U.S.-Israel relations.

Discuss the factors contributing to the perceived decline of U.S. dominance, the specific terms and perception of the U.S.-Iran deal, and its likely impact on regional power equations and key alliances in West Asia, particularly U.S.-Israel relations.

The article draws a parallel between the 2026 U.S.-Iran deal and the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, terming it 'Versailles II'. Examine the historical significance of this comparison in the context of the perceived decline of U.S. and Western dominance in global affairs.

Explain the reasons for the 'Versailles II' comparison, discuss the factors contributing to the waning Western dominance, and elaborate on the broader implications for the international order, drawing on historical parallels.