1. Consider the following statements :
- The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
- The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
- A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
[A] 1 and 3 only
[B] 2, 3 and 4 only
[C] 2 and 4 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2 and 4 only]
Notes:The correct answer is
[C] 2 and 4 only. These international frameworks distinguish between corruption and organized crime through specific legal instruments managed by the UNODC.
- Statement 1 (Incorrect): The ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’ is actually a supplement to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), not the UNCAC.
- Statement 2 (Correct): The UNCAC is indeed the first and only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2003 and covers five main areas: preventive measures, criminalization and law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery, and technical assistance.
- Statement 3 (Incorrect): The inclusion of a specific chapter on Asset Recovery is a highlight of the UNCAC (Chapter V), not the UNTOC. It establishes asset recovery as a “fundamental principle” of the Convention, requiring state parties to return assets in cases of embezzlement of public funds.
- Statement 4 (Correct): The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) serves as the guardian of both the UNCAC and the UNTOC. It is mandated by member states to provide technical assistance and support the implementation of these treaties.
2. International Anti-Corruption Day is observed every year on which day?
[A] December 7
[B] December 8
[C] December 9
[D] December 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [December 9]
Notes:
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed every year on 9 December. It spreads awareness about the harmful effects of corruption on society, governance, development and equality. The theme for 2025 is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”. It focuses on the role of youth in promoting honesty and ethical behaviour. It emphasises integrity, accountability and collective action at all levels. It highlights the roles of governments, institutions and citizens in fighting corruption. It encourages students to develop moral values and civic responsibility early in life.
3. Which country has launched Operation Midas, a major anti-corruption investigation?
[A] India
[B] Ukraine
[C] China
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ukraine]
Notes:
Ukraine recently launched Operation Midas, a major anti-corruption investigation targeting Energoatom officials and connected businessmen. It is a 15-month undercover probe led by NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office). Named after King Midas, symbolising officials illegally turning contracts into gold. The operation exposed a bribery network demanding 10–15% cuts from contractors and nearly $100 million laundered through backdoor companies. It caused political fallout, forced Energy Minister resignations, and triggered audits of all state-owned enterprises.
4. Which Uttar Pradesh cities have Special Courts for SC/ST & Anti-Corruption cases?
[A] Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Ghaziabad
[B] Allahabad, Ayodhya, Saharanpur, Mirzapur
[C] Meerut, Bareilly, Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Gorakhpur
[D] Varanasi, Prayagraj, Azamgarh, Sitapur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meerut, Bareilly, Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Gorakhpur]
Notes:
Special Courts under the SC/ST and Anti-Corruption Acts are in Meerut, Bareilly, Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, and Gorakhpur as per official notifications in Uttar Pradesh.
5. Which day is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day every year?
[A] December 7
[B] December 8
[C] December 9
[D] December 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [December 9]
Notes:
December 9th marks International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about corruption and promote collective action against it. Corruption in India affects both public and private sectors, manifesting as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and misuse of power. It undermines economic growth, erodes public trust, weakens the rule of law, and impacts citizens’ welfare. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranks India 80th among 180 countries, highlighting the issue’s seriousness.
6. Who was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on March 9th?
[A] Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
[B] Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
[C] Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
[D] Current Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin]
Notes:
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on 9 March arrested former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on the charges of corruption.
7. Consider the following pillars of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework:
- Supply-chain resilience
- Clean energy, decarbonisation & infrastructure
- Taxation & anti-corruption
- Fair & resilient trade.
Recently, India has agreed to which of the above pillars?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
- Recently, the Minister of Commerce & Industry addressed the Indo-Pacific Economic FrameworkMinisterial meeting in the US, where India decided to stay away from the Fair & resilient trade Pillar.
- Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to. The negotiations will be along four main “pillars”.
- Supply-chain resilience
- Clean energy, decarbonisation & infrastructure
- Taxation & anti-corruption
- Fair & resilient trade.
- Currently, India and 13 countries located in the Pacific Ocean are its members,
- Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
8. On what day does the globe celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day?
[A] December 9
[B] December 10
[C] December 11
[D] December 12
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [December 9]
Notes:
The world celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9. The main motive behind marking this day is to spread awareness about a corruption-free society.
9. What is the theme of Anti-Corruption Day in 2022?
[A] Your right, your role: say no to corruption
[B] Break the Corruption Chain
[C] United Against Corruption
[D] Uniting the world against corruption
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Uniting the world against corruption]
Notes:
This year, the theme for International Anti-Corruption Day is “Uniting the world against corruption.”
10. When is the ‘International Anti-Corruption Day’ observed?
[A] 3 December
[B] 5 December
[C] 7 December
[D] 9 December
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [9 December ]
Notes:
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on 9 December, with the theme of ‘Uniting the World against Corruption’.
The 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. It also marks the start of twentieth anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
