Q1. With reference to SCO’s Dialogue Partners, consider the following:
1. Dialogue partners have voting rights in the Council of Heads of State.
2. Dialogue partners can participate in certain working groups but not in security cooperation like RATS.
3. Dialogue status is often a precursor to full membership.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 3 only
Q2. In the context of SCO, what does the term “Shanghai Spirit” refer to?
A. The joint military doctrine followed by SCO nations.
B. The shared aim to expand China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
C. A principle promoting mutual trust, benefit, equality, consultation, and non-interference.
D. China’s unilateral control over SCO security architecture.\
Q3. Which of the following distinguishes the SCO from BRICS?
A. SCO includes only Asian countries.
B. SCO has a permanent secretariat and regional security structure.
C. SCO is an economic grouping while BRICS is purely political.
D. SCO excludes any coordination on terrorism-related issues.
Q4. Which of the following best explains India’s strategic rationale for joining the SCO in 2017?
A. To strengthen defense ties with China and Pakistan
B. To gain access to SCO’s economic integration mechanisms like a common currency
C. To deepen engagement with Central Asia and counter China’s regional dominance
D. To join RATS and impose sanctions on Pakistan through SCO
Q5. Which of the following Indian initiatives aligns most closely with SCO’s emphasis on connectivity and regional integration?
A. UDAN
B. Bharatmala
C. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
D. PM Gati Shakti
Answers Quiz 147 (July 3)
1. C. It strengthens energy cooperation and connectivity through INSTC.
Explanation:
- Iran’s inclusion strengthens energy security, as it is an oil-rich state.
- It also boosts the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking India–Iran–Central Asia-Russia.
- Iran is not Western-aligned and its joining aligns with SCO’s non-Western orientation.
2. B. Kazakhstan (2024) – Astana
Explanation:
- India chaired SCO in 2023, but the summit was held virtually, not in Samarkand.
- Kazakhstan hosted the 24th Summit in Astana in 2024.
- China will host the 25th Summit in Tianjin in 2025.
- Uzbekistan hosted in 2022, and the venue was Samarkand, not Bishkek.
3. C. It functions on the principle of consensus and non-interference.
Explanation:
- SCO decisions are consensus-based and non-binding.
- It is not a military alliance like NATO.
- SCO strictly avoids interfering in internal affairs of member states.
- No formal dispute resolution mechanism exists under SCO.
4. A. 2 - 3 - 1 - 4
Explanation:
- SCO Charter adopted: 2002
- RATS established: 2004
- India & Pakistan joined: 2017
- Iran joined: 2023
5. B. Deep political rivalries among member states hinder economic agenda.
Explanation:
- Economic cooperation is part of SCO’s objectives, but rivalries (India-China, India-Pakistan) make economic projects difficult.
- For instance, India opposes BRI, which is otherwise supported by China and others.
- The charter doesn’t forbid integration, and SCO is not just military-focused.
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