11. With reference to climate phenomena, consider the following statements:
- El Niño is characterized by the warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific.
- La Niña typically leads to increased rainfall in Southeast Asia and Australia.
- The Indian Ocean Dipole can influence monsoon patterns in India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- El Niño is characterized by the warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific: This is correct. El Niño affects global weather patterns.
- La Niña typically leads to increased rainfall in Southeast Asia and Australia: This is correct. La Niña is often associated with wetter conditions in these regions.
- The Indian Ocean Dipole can influence monsoon patterns in India: This is correct. A positive IOD can enhance the Indian monsoon.
12. In the context of international relations and diplomacy, consider the following statements:
- Quad is a strategic alliance comprising India, US, Japan, and Australia.
- The BRICS group includes only Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- ASEAN is primarily focused on economic cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Quad is a strategic alliance comprising India, US, Japan, and Australia: This is correct. Quad focuses on enhancing security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The BRICS group includes only Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa: This is incorrect. BRICS aims to promote peace, security, and development in emerging economies. In 2024, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Ethiopia joined BRICS. Indonesia became the 11th member of BRICS in January 2025.
- ASEAN is primarily focused on economic cooperation among Southeast Asian nations: This is correct. ASEAN also emphasizes political stability and cultural exchange among its member states.
13. Consider the following:
- Kangaroo
- Koala
- Tasmanian Devil
Which of the above is/are marsupials native to Australia?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:- Kangaroos are large marsupials known for their powerful hind legs and ability to hop. They are iconic to Australia and play a role in its ecosystem.
- Koalas are tree-dwelling marsupials that primarily feed on eucalyptus leaves; they are known for their distinctive appearance and are a symbol of Australian wildlife.
- Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials known for their stocky build and black fur, primarily found in Tasmania, and are famous for their loud and disturbing screeches.
- All three species are integral to Australia’s biodiversity and face conservation challenges due to habitat loss and other threats.
14. With respect to BIMSTEC and Cyber Security, consider the following statements:
- This organization came into being in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
- BIMSTEC includes countries from all continents except North America and Australia.
Which of the above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:- This organization came into being in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. Correct: This sub-regional organization came into being in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. Initially, it was formed with four Member States with the acronym ‘BIST-EC’ (Bangladesh, India, Sri-Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation). It became renamed ‘BIMST-EC’ in 1997, following the inclusion of Myanmar.
- BIMSTEC includes countries from all continents except North America and Australia. Incorrect: Its members lie in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. Out of the 7 members,
- Five are from South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Two are from Southeast Asia – Myanmar and Thailand.
15. Which of the following statements about natural wonders is/are correct?
- The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, Australia.
- Socotra Archipelago is known for dragon blood trees.
- Lençóis Maranhenses is a desert in Chile.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Australia. Socotra Archipelago, situated in Yemen, is famous for its unique flora, including the dragon blood trees. However, Lençóis Maranhenses is not a desert in Chile; it is a national park in Brazil known for its vast desert-like landscape with seasonal rainwater lagoons.
16. What is the name of the new scheme introduced by Australia to allow talented young people from India to work in the country?
[A] Indian Talent Mobility Scheme (ITMS)
[B] Migration and Technology Employment Scheme (MTES)
[C] Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)
[D] Australia-India Skill Exchange Scheme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)]
Notes:
Australia launched the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) scheme, offering Indian university graduates and early professionals the chance to work in Australia for up to two years. The scheme is part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia. MATES opens in December for applicants aged 30 or younger with an eligible degree in fields like renewable energy, AI, FinTech, and AgriTech. Applicants must have proficient English (IELTS 6 overall, 5 in each module) and have graduated within two years from top Indian universities. The program starts with 3,000 places annually, and participants can bring dependents with work rights.
17. What is the name of the joint military exercise recently conducted by Indonesia and Australia?
[A] Keris Woomera 2024
[B] Operation Pacific Shield
[C] Maitree
[D] Super Garuda Shield
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Keris Woomera 2024]
Notes:
The Keris Woomera 2024 exercise involved around 2,000 troops from Indonesia and Australia, focusing on air, maritime, amphibious, and land operations. It took place near Banongan beach in East Java and was part of the broader Indo-Pacific Endeavour initiative, enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. This exercise aims to strengthen trust and interoperability, addressing regional security challenges amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Recent agreements also reflect Indonesia’s defense priorities under President Prabowo Subianto.
18. Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India inaugurated India’s new Consulate General in which city of Australia?
[A] Brisbane
[B] Melbourne
[C] Perth
[D] Sydney
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brisbane]
Notes:
India’s new consulate in Brisbane, Australia, was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The consulate marks a milestone in India-Australia relations, strengthened by recent trade deals. Queensland, home to about 100,000 of Australia’s nearly one million Indian-origin residents, is key to these ties, with India as its second-largest export market. India also has consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The Brisbane consulate will be led by diplomat Neetu Bhagotia, who has prior experience in India’s missions in Bhutan and Russia.
19. Who has won women’s singles title at the Bendigo International Challenge badminton tournament in Australia?
[A] Aakarshi Kashyap
[B] Ashmita Chaliha
[C] Tanya Hemanth
[D] Manasi Joshi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tanya Hemanth ]
Notes:
Tanya Hemanth won the women’s singles title at the Bendigo International Challenge badminton tournament in Australia. She beat Taipei’s Tung Ciou-Tong in straight games, 21-17, 21-17. This is Tanya’s third international title and her first in 2024. She was the runner-up at the Polish Open and Azerbaijan International in 2024. Tanya won titles at the India International in 2022 and Iran Fajr International in 2023. In men’s doubles, India’s Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi lost to Taipei’s Chen Cheng Kuan and Po Li-Wei.
20. Recently, where was the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Canberra
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Canberra]
Notes:
India and Australia held two key bilateral meetings to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia hosted the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra, to discuss maritime security cooperation.
The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, while Ms. Sarah Storey and Mr. Bernard Philip led the Australian delegation. They discussed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), sustainable marine resource use, Search and Rescue operations, pollution response, blue economy, and Port State control. India hosted the 14th India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi. The 7th Maritime Security Dialogue will be held in New Delhi.
