Revolution to resurgence — Iran’s strategic moment

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

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

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

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.

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

‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

1. A. African Union
2. B. Brazil
3. C. European Union
4. D. China

India is a member of which of the following?

1. Asia-Pacific economic corporation.
2. Association of South-East Asian Nations.
3. East Asia Summit

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1, 2, and 3
4. D. India is a member of none of them

Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as ‘Arab Spring’ originally started from

1. A. Egypt
2. B. Lebanon
3. C. Syria
4. D. Tunisia

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.

According to the article, which of the following factors primarily contributed to the 1979 Iranian Revolution?

1. A. Solely economic hardships and a desire for democratic reforms.
2. B. Political repression, economic hardships, and a strong undercurrent to reclaim Iran’s cultural and religious legacy.
3. C. Direct military intervention by the United States to overthrow the Shah.
4. D. A sudden collapse of the global oil market impacting Iran's revenues.

The article describes Iran's current post-war situation as a 'second revolution'. Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes this 'second revolution' from the 1979 revolution, as per the text?

1. A. The 1979 revolution led to the emergence of a nationalist regime, while the current situation involves overthrowing an existing regime.
2. B. Unlike 1979, when an earlier regime had to be overthrown, the current regime has emerged stronger despite being hit badly.
3. C. The 1979 revolution was primarily driven by economic factors, whereas the 'second revolution' is solely about national pride.
4. D. The 'second revolution' has led to the dismantling of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), unlike 1979.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was formed in 1981 primarily with what objective, according to the article?

1. A. To promote cultural exchange and tourism among member states.
2. B. To establish a common currency and economic union in the Gulf region.
3. C. To forge a common platform to fight the threat from a revolutionary Iran.
4. D. To coordinate oil production quotas among major oil-exporting nations.

The article suggests that Iran is experiencing a 'second revolution' leading to its resurgence and a significant shift in the regional security landscape. Analyze the factors contributing to this resurgence and discuss its potential implications for the Middle East's geopolitical order.

Introduce Iran's current status as a resurgent power. Analyze the internal and external factors contributing to this resurgence, such as regime consolidation, national pride, and economic potential. Discuss the implications for the existing security architecture, the role of the US, and the changing dynamics among regional actors.

The article highlights Iran's growing defiance and its potential economic revival, forcing countries like India to re-evaluate their diplomatic strategies in the Middle East. Examine how Iran's 'second revolution' could reshape the foreign policy considerations of major global powers and India, particularly concerning energy security and regional stability.

Begin by outlining the key aspects of Iran's resurgence. Discuss how this transformation impacts the foreign policy of global powers (e.g., US, China, Russia) regarding the Middle East. Subsequently, detail India's strategic interests in the region (energy, trade, diaspora) and how its diplomatic approach might need to adapt to a stronger Iran and a changing regional balance of power.