MCQs on The HINDU editorial: The importance of both Quad and BRICS – 23 July 2024

MCQs on The HINDU editorial: The importance of both Quad and BRICS – 23 July 2024

Question 1:

Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced by India in its Quad engagement?

A) Security focus of Quad's approach
B) Diplomatic balance concerning Russia and Ukraine
C) Enhanced bilateral relations with the U.S.
D) Techno-economic leadership roles

Answer: D

Explanation: Enhanced bilateral relations with the U.S. and techno-economic leadership roles are opportunities for India in its Quad engagement, not challenges. The challenges include the security focus of Quad's approach and maintaining a diplomatic balance concerning Russia and Ukraine.

Question 2:

What is the main strategic purpose of AUKUS as mentioned in the article?

A) Promoting economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
B) Enhancing military capabilities, especially nuclear submarines for Australia
C) Expanding trade relations among member countries
D) Developing renewable energy sources

Answer: B

Explanation: The primary strategic purpose of AUKUS is to enhance military capabilities, specifically by providing nuclear submarines for Australia, which is aimed at securitizing the Indo-Pacific and deterring China.

Question 3:

Which of the following is an opportunity for India in its BRICS engagement?

A) Risk of China using BRICS to promote its global agenda
B) Managing new members and ensuring they support India's interests
C) Promoting “reformed multilateralism”
D) Diplomatic conflicts within BRICS

Answer: C

Explanation: Promoting “reformed multilateralism” is an opportunity for India within BRICS, whereas risks of China's dominance and managing new members are challenges.

Question 4:

According to the article, what does the Quad’s security-centric approach primarily conflict with in terms of India’s broader vision?

A) Diplomatic relationships with South Asian countries
B) Economic development in the Global South
C) Broader vision beyond a purely military focus
D) Cultural exchange programs

Answer: C

Explanation: The Quad’s security-centric approach conflicts with India’s broader vision that goes beyond a purely military focus, encompassing economic development and regional cooperation.

Question 5:

What strategic advantage does India hold by being a member of both the Quad and BRICS?

A) It can downplay one grouping for the other.
B) It can balance security and economic interests.
C) It can promote a singular global agenda.
D) It can avoid engagement in multilateral initiatives.

Answer: B

Explanation: By being a member of both the Quad and BRICS, India can balance its security and economic interests, leveraging its unique position to enhance its influence in both strategic and economic domains.

Question 6:

What is a significant advantage of India's involvement in the Quad as highlighted in the article?

A) Increased trade with China
B) Enhanced maritime security
C) Reduced defense spending
D) Lowered diplomatic engagements

Answer: B

Explanation: A significant advantage of India's involvement in the Quad is enhanced maritime security, which is crucial for maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Question 7:

How does India's participation in BRICS align with its broader strategic interests, according to the article?

A) By supporting unilateral military actions
B) By promoting reformed multilateralism
C) By isolating Western countries
D) By reducing engagement with developing nations

Answer: B

Explanation: India’s participation in BRICS aligns with its broader strategic interests by promoting reformed multilateralism, which aims to create a more equitable international system.

Question 8:

What is a primary concern for India regarding the expansion of BRICS?

A) Losing its leadership role
B) Increasing influence of Western countries
C) China's attempts to push its worldview
D) Lack of economic benefits

Answer: C

Explanation: A primary concern for India regarding the expansion of BRICS is China's attempts to push its worldview on the Global South, which could undermine the group's equitable cooperation.

Question 9:

What has been India’s approach towards BRICS expansion historically?

A) Enthusiastically supporting all new members
B) Reluctant to expand
C) Opposing Russia’s involvement
D) Actively promoting military cooperation

Answer: B

Explanation: Historically, India has been reluctant to expand BRICS, cautious about the potential influence new members might have and how it could affect the group's dynamics.

Question 10:

What key strategy does the article suggest India should adopt within BRICS to counter unwanted directions?

A) Minimizing involvement
B) Enhancing engagement
C) Focusing on military alliances
D) Reducing economic cooperation

Answer: B

Explanation: The article suggests that India should enhance its engagement within BRICS to counter moves that might take the group in directions India does not favor, ensuring it remains an active and influential member.

Question 11:

Consider the following statements about India’s involvement in the Quad:

1.       India’s engagement with the Quad focuses solely on military alliances.

2.      The Quad aims to enhance cooperation in technology, health, and power sectors.

3.      India’s reluctance to fully embrace a security vision for the Quad is seen as a dampener.

4.      India is the only member of the Quad that is also a member of BRICS.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Answer: c

Explanation: Statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because India’s engagement with the Quad goes beyond military alliances to include economic and technological cooperation.

Question 12:

Consider the following statements about India’s role in BRICS:

1.       India was an enthusiastic founder of BRICS.

2.      BRICS was founded to promote military cooperation among emerging economies.

3.      India has always supported the expansion of BRICS.

4.      BRICS initiatives include the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Answer: b

Explanation: Statements 1 and 4 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because BRICS focuses on economic cooperation. Statement 3 is incorrect as India has been reluctant to expand BRICS.

Question 13:

Consider the following statements about the strategic challenges for India in the Quad:

1.       The Quad’s security-centric approach conflicts with India’s broader strategic vision.

2.      India’s independent policy regarding Russia is not aligned with the Quad’s objectives.

3.      Enhanced bilateral relations with Quad partners have no strategic benefits for India.

4.      India sees the Quad as a platform to reorient global supply chains.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Answer: b

Explanation: Statements 1 and 4 are correct. Statement 2 is partially correct but not necessarily a challenge. Statement 3 is incorrect because enhanced bilateral relations with Quad partners do have strategic benefits for India.

Question 14:

Consider the following statements about India’s diplomatic stance in BRICS:

1.       India proposed the vision of “reformed multilateralism” during a BRICS summit.

2.      India supports BRICS as a platform to push back against the West unconditionally.

3.      India’s participation in BRICS has fluctuated from enthusiastic to lukewarm.

4.      India sees BRICS as a tool to promote its regional dominance.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Answer: b

Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because India supports BRICS conditionally. Statement 4 is incorrect because India does not see BRICS as a tool for regional dominance.

Question 15:

Consider the following statements regarding India's strategy in balancing Quad and BRICS:

1.       India has to ensure it does not downplay one grouping for the other.

2.      India’s strategy involves full military alignment with both the Quad and BRICS.

3.      India is the only common member of both Quad and BRICS.

4.      India must actively engage in both Quad and BRICS to leverage its position.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Answer: c

Explanation: Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because India does not pursue full military alignment with BRICS, which is more focused on economic cooperation.