Crack the UPSC IR MCQs: Key International Affairs Topics You Must Know!
Are you preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of International Relations (IR)? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! With the increasing emphasis on current affairs and international organizations in the exam, it’s essential to stay updated and understand both static concepts and their current applications.
Recently, Kuber Singh’s YouTube video titled “BRICS, Strait of Hormuz, ICC, WSIS & UNSC MCQs | International Relations for UPSC Prelims” offers a treasure trove of insights into some of the most important IR topics. This blog post distills the key points from his discussion, providing you with a clear understanding of these crucial areas, along with MCQs that can help in your exam prep.
Let’s dive in!
Why This Video Is a Must-Watch for UPSC IR Aspirants
Kuber Singh’s approach is unique because he combines conceptual clarity with current affairs relevance. Instead of just rote memorization, he emphasizes understanding how factual questions are often linked to ongoing geopolitical developments, international organizations, and multilateral forums. This is exactly the kind of insight that can boost your confidence in tackling IR questions in the UPSC Prelims.
The video covers five major topics:
- WSIS Forum and the World Summit on the Information Society
- BRICS Summit and India’s role
- The Strait of Hormuz and its geopolitical significance
- ICC and recent developments
- India’s initiatives and candidature for UNSC membership
Each segment includes multiple MCQs designed to test your knowledge both in terms of facts and concepts.
Key Topics Covered in the Video
1. WSIS Forum & Digital Cooperation
Kuber Singh explains the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The WSIS aims to promote digital cooperation among countries, foster digital inclusion, and bridge the global digital divide.
Important points:
- The WSIS Forum is held in Geneva.
- It operates under the mandate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), not the UN Security Council (UNSC).
- It brings together civil society, private sector, governments, and international organizations to promote digital transformation.
MCQ insight: Knowing the role of ITU and the mandate of WSIS is crucial, especially since questions often test your grasp of which UN body or organization leads such initiatives.
2. BRICS Summit & India’s Leadership
Next, Kuber Singh discusses the BRICS grouping—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—and India’s current role as the Chair in 2026.
Key facts:
- BRICS has expanded over time, now including countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
- India has previously held the chairmanship in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
- The 2026 summit is being hosted by New Delhi, with Bangladesh invited as a guest.
Why it matters: The grouping’s expansion, India’s leadership, and the thematic focus—Reliance, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability—are important for understanding regional alliances and geopolitical shifts.
3. Strait of Hormuz and Geopolitical Dynamics
This section is particularly rich in geographical and geopolitical insights.
Highlights:
- The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
- It is a critical transit route for global oil supplies.
- Iran and Oman border this strait, and under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), it is considered a transit passage rather than territorial waters—meaning international ships can pass freely.
Geopolitical significance:
- The Strait has been a flashpoint, especially after tanker attacks in 2026, raising tensions between Iran, the US, and other Gulf countries.
- Understanding the legal framework and geopolitical issues here is vital for IR questions.
4. International Criminal Court (ICC) & Recent Developments
Kuber Singh also covers the ICC, based in The Hague, and the implications of recent withdrawals.
Key points:
- The ICC operates under the Rome Statute.
- Countries like the US, Russia, and China are not members.
- The withdrawal clause (Article 127) allows member states to exit after a year of notification—important for recent news, such as Venezuela and others withdrawing or threatening to withdraw.
Exam tip: It’s crucial to know the membership status of major countries and the legal provisions for withdrawal, as these are often tested.
5. India’s Initiative & UNSC Candidature
Finally, the video discusses India’s efforts to secure a non-permanent seat at the UNSC and its SHANTI initiative for holistic development.
Key facts:
- India is aiming for the 2028-29 non-permanent seat, which will be its seventh term.
- India has previously served as a non-permanent member in 2011-12, 2012-13, 2017-18, and 2021-22.
- The SHANTI initiative reflects India’s focus on sustainable development and global peace.
Why These Topics Matter for UPSC Prelims
UPSC increasingly links static concepts with current affairs. Questions often test:
- Knowledge of international organizations and their mandates.
- Geopolitical issues like straits, maritime routes, and regional alliances.
- Major summits, groupings, and India’s role on the global stage.
- Legal provisions related to international treaties and conventions.
By understanding both the theoretical framework and the recent developments, aspirants can confidently approach IR MCQs.
Final Takeaways
- Focus on core facts: Know the role and mandate of organizations like WSIS, ICC, and BRICS.
- Connect facts with current events: For example, recent ICC withdrawals or BRICS expansion.
- Practice MCQs regularly: Use the questions discussed in the video to test your knowledge.
- Stay updated with latest news: Geopolitical tensions like the Strait of Hormuz or India’s UNSC candidature are dynamic topics.
Watch the Full Video!
For a detailed explanation of these topics, along with more MCQs and insights, I highly recommend watching the full video by Kuber Singh. It’s a perfect resource to sharpen your IR preparation for UPSC Prelims.
Good luck with your preparation! Remember, understanding the interconnectedness of static concepts and current affairs is the key to cracking IR questions in the UPSC exam. Stay focused, stay updated!
