SAARC,QUAD,ASEAN,SCO,BRICS Summits & Members – Must-Know Static GK

SAARC, QUAD, ASEAN, BRICS, SCO – Full Form, Members, Objectives, Headquarters & Static GK MCQs for UPSC & SSC 2025

Welcome to Info Edu Story, your trusted platform for high-quality GK resources! In this post, we bring you the most important GK Questions 2025 for SSC Examinations, including updated Quad static GK questions and other trending topics. You can access our exclusive Static GK PDF Free Download, featuring over 1000 Static GK Questions PDF compiled from the best sources. If you're looking for the Best Static GK Book PDF, don’t miss our specially curated Info Edu Story Static GK Book. Available in both Static GK PDF in English and Bengali versions, this guide covers all essential Static GK topics and comes as a complete Static GK 2025 PDF to boost your exam preparation.

List of Major International Summits and Conferences for UPSC & SSC

In today’s session, we will explore five of the most important regional and international groupings — SAARC, QUAD, ASEAN, BRICS, and SCO. These organizations play a crucial role in shaping global and regional politics, economics, security, and cooperation. We’ll discuss their full forms, headquarters, member countries, objectives, and recent developments. This topic is highly relevant for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and other government tests. We’ll also cover important Static GK facts and practice key MCQs to strengthen your exam preparation. Let’s dive into the world of international groupings and their significance!

SAARC Static GK for SSC & UPSC | Members, HQ, MCQs

We’ll begin with the SAARC full form and the foundation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. You'll learn about the SAARC headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal, and explore all the SAARC countries, their roles, and contributions. We'll cover the objectives of SAARC, including regional peace, economic growth, and cooperation. You’ll also learn about the current SAARC Secretary General, along with key facts important for SAARC UPSC and SAARC SSC topics. Finally, we’ll practice essential SAARC MCQs to strengthen your static GK and exam preparation.

SAARC Establishment:

i) Formed on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka.

ii) First idea proposed in November 1980.

iii) First meeting: Colombo, April 1981.

iv) Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal.

Total SAARC Member Countries (8):

i) Afghanistan (joined 2007) ii) Bangladesh iii) Bhutan iv) India v) Maldives

vi) Nepal vii) Pakistan viii) Sri Lanka

SAARC Observer Countries (9):

i) Australia ii) China iii) European Union iv) Iran v) Japan vi) South Korea

vii) Mauritius viii) Myanmar ix) USA

Principles:

i) Sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence.

ii) Non-interference in internal affairs.

iii) Mutual benefit and cooperation.

iv) Complementary to bilateral/multilateral efforts.

SAARC Objectives:

i) Promote welfare and quality of life in South Asia.

ii) Accelerate economic, social, and cultural progress.

iii) Build collective self-reliance.

iv) Foster mutual trust and understanding.

v) Strengthen cooperation in economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields.

vi) Collaborate in international forums and with developing countries.

SAARC Areas of Cooperation:

i) Human Resource Development & Tourism

ii) Agriculture & Rural Development

iii) Environment, Natural Disasters & Biotechnology

iv) Economic, Trade & Finance

v) Social Affairs

vi) Information & Poverty Alleviation

vii) Energy, Transport, Science & Technology

viii) Education, Security, Culture & more

SAARC Static GK MCQ Questions for Bank, SSC and Other Competitive Exams

1. When was the SAARC Charter signed?

(a) 1980

(b) 1981

(d) 2005

Explanation: SAARC was officially established with the signing of its charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.

2. Which country became the newest member of SAARC in 2007?

(a) Myanmar

(b) Afghanistan

(d) Maldives

Answer: (b) Afghanistan

Explanation: Afghanistan joined SAARC as the 8th member during the 13th annual summit in 2007.

3. Where is the headquarters of SAARC located?

(a) Dhaka

(b) New Delhi

(d) Kathmandu

Answer: (d) Kathmandu

Explanation: The SAARC Headquarters and Secretariat are located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

4. Which of the following is NOT a principle of SAARC cooperation?

(a) Sovereign equality

(b) Political interference

(d) Territorial integrity

Answer: (b) Political interference

Explanation: SAARC operates on non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

5. Which of the following is not an observer country of SAARC?

(a) China

(b) Iran

(d) Japan

Answer: (c) United Kingdom

Explanation: The UK is not an observer of SAARC; observer countries include China, Iran, Japan, Australia, USA, etc.

ASEAN: Origin, Members, Significance & More | UPSC Notes

Now we Discuss on ASEAN static GK, we will explore everything you need to know for exams like UPSC, SSC, and Class 12. You'll learn about the origin of ASEAN, its formation, and the purpose behind its establishment. We will cover all ASEAN member countries, the location of the ASEAN headquarters, and why this organization is globally significant. The session includes facts curated for ASEAN static GK PDF, helpful for quick revision. We’ll also solve ASEAN MCQs designed especially for SSC and UPSC. By the end, you’ll have complete knowledge of ASEAN static GK countries and their exam relevance.

What is ASEAN?

i) ASEAN full form = Association of Southeast Asian Nations

ii) Established: 1967 (Bangkok Declaration)

iii) Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia

iv) Motto: "One Vision, One Identity, One Community"

v) ASEAN Day: 8th August

Total Member Countries of ASEAN : - 10

i) Indonesia (Founding) ii) Malaysia (Founding) iii) Philippines (Founding)

iv) Singapore (Founding) v) Thailand (Founding) vi) Brunei – 1984 vii) Vietnam – 1995 viii) Laos – 1997 ix) Myanmar – 1997 x) Cambodia – 1999

ASEAN Key Historical Milestones

i) 1995: ASEAN Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (Treaty)

ii) 1997: ASEAN Vision 2020

iii) 2003: Bali Concord II (for ASEAN Community)

iv) 2007: Cebu Declaration (accelerate community goal)

v) 2008: ASEAN Charter becomes legally binding

vi) 2015: Launch of ASEAN Community

Pillars of ASEAN Community : -

i) ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)

ii) ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

iii) ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

Objectives of ASEAN : -

i) Promote economic growth, peace, and cultural development

ii) Enhance cooperation in economy, technology, education, administration

iii) Promote rule of law, justice, UN Charter values

iv) Improve trade, agriculture, industry, and living standards

Principles (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation – 1976) of ASEAN :-

i) Mutual respect for sovereignty and independence

ii) Non-interference in internal affairs

iii) Peaceful settlement of disputes

iv) No use of force

v) Effective regional cooperation

Institutional Mechanism of ASEAN

i) Chairmanship: Rotates alphabetically (yearly)

ii) ASEAN Summit: Supreme policy body (meets twice/year)

ASEAN Ministerial Councils:

i) Coordinating Council (ACC)

ii) Political-Security Council

iii) Economic Council

iv) Socio-Cultural Council

v) Decision-making: Based on consensus (ASEAN-X allows flexibility)

Major Forums of ASEAN

i) ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – Political & security dialogue (27 members)

ii) ASEAN Plus Three – ASEAN + China, Japan, South Korea

iii) East Asia Summit (EAS) – Security & prosperity; includes India, USA, Russia, etc.

iv) ADMM-Plus – Defence dialogue with 8 partners including India, USA, China

India-ASEAN Relations (Recent Highlights)

i) 24th ASEAN-India SOM in Delhi

ii) Celebrated 30 years of Dialogue Partnership

iii) Finalized India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022

Strengths of ASEAN

i) Over 655 million people (8.5% of world population)

ii) 7th largest economy, projected 4th by 2050

iii) Major global manufacturing & trade hub

iv) 3rd largest labor force globally (after China & India)

GK Questions and Answers on ASEAN Countries SSC

1) ASEAN was established in which year?

(a) 1965

(b) 1967

(d) 1976

Answer: (b) 1967

Explanation: ASEAN was established in 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration.

2) Which of the following is a founding member of ASEAN?

(a) Vietnam

(b) Cambodia

(d) Brunei

Answer: (c) Singapore

Explanation: Founding members include Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

3) What is the motto of ASEAN?

(a) One People, One Nation

(b) Unity in Diversity

(d) Peace and Prosperity Together

Answer: (c) One Vision, One Identity, One Community

Explanation: This is ASEAN’s official motto.

4) Which of the following is NOT a pillar of the ASEAN Community?

(a) Political-Security Community

(b) Economic Community

(d) Socio-Cultural Community

Answer: (c) Military Alliance Community

Explanation: ASEAN focuses on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars—not military alliances.

5) In which year did the ASEAN Charter become legally binding?

(a) 2003

(b) 2007

(d) 2010

Explanation: The ASEAN Charter was adopted in 2008 to give legal status to the organization.

6) Which of the following is a principle under the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation?

(a) Regional military integration

(b) Use of force for peace

(d) Mandatory common currency

Answer: (c) Non-interference in internal affairs

Explanation: This treaty promotes peace, sovereignty, and non-intervention.

7. Which of the following is NOT a founding member of ASEAN?

(A) Thailand

(B) Indonesia

(D) Malaysia

Ans : - (C) Vietnam

8. When was the ASEAN Charter officially adopted?

(A) 1967

(B) 1995

(D) 2015

9. Which of the following countries is not a member of ASEAN?

(A) Myanmar

(B) Singapore

(D) Cambodia

Ans : - (C) India

10. What does the acronym "TAC" stand for in the context of ASEAN?

(A) Treaty of ASEAN Cooperation

(B) Treaty of Amity and Cooperation

(D) Trans-ASEAN Corridor

Ans : - (B) Treaty of Amity and Cooperation

General Knowledge / Static GK / India and World GK QUAD

Now we discuss another most iomportant topics that is Quad Static GK, we will cover essential facts related to the Quad countries—India, USA, Japan, and Australia—which are part of the strategic alliance known by its full form, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). You’ll learn when the Quad was established, the key purpose of the Quad, and important details for Quad UPSC and other competitive exams. Though the Quad headquarters is not fixed like formal organizations, its coordination is vital in Indo-Pacific matters. We'll also briefly clarify the unrelated term Quad bike. The session ends with important Quad MCQ practice and insights from recent Quad Summits.

What is QUAD?

QUAD stands for/ Full Form = Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

A strategic grouping of four democratic nations:

👉 India, Australia, United States, and Japan.

Objective of QUAD:

i) Promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific

ii) Ensure maritime security and unhindered trade

iii) Cooperation on defense, technology, climate, and vaccine diplomacy

Origin of QUAD:

i) First proposed in 2007 by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

ii) Initially failed as Australia withdrew (due to Chinese pressure)

iii) Revived in 2017 and has since strengthened

Key Activities of QUAD:

i) Military Exercises (e.g., Malabar Naval Exercise)

ii) Collaborations on supply chains, cyber security, critical tech

iii) Focus on countering China's influence in Indo-Pacific

QUAD Significance:

i) It is not a military alliance but a strategic dialogue

ii) Upholds democratic values, international law, and regional stability

Quad Static GK MCQ with Answers

1. What is the primary objective of the QUAD grouping?

(a) To form a military alliance in Asia

(b) To promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region

(d) To create a global environmental treaty

Answer: (b) To promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region

Explanation: QUAD mainly focuses on maritime security, trade freedom, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

2. Who first proposed the idea of QUAD?

(a) Narendra Modi

(b) Joe Biden

(d) Anthony Albanese

Answer: (c) Shinzo Abe

Explanation: The concept of QUAD was first introduced by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.

3. Which of the following countries is not a member of the QUAD?

(a) Japan

(b) India

(d) China

Answer: (d) China

Explanation: QUAD consists of four democratic countries – India, Japan, Australia, and the United States. China is not a member.

4. In which year was the QUAD officially formed as a quadrilateral coalition?

(a) 2005

(b) 2007

(d) 2017

Answer: (d) 2017

Explanation: Although first proposed in 2007, QUAD was officially formed in 2017 when India, Australia, the US, and Japan revived the dialogue amidst growing regional concerns.

5) Which countries are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)?

a) China, India, Russia, USA

b) India, USA, Japan, Australia

c) USA, Canada, Japan, Australia

d) India, Japan, UK, USA

Ans : - b) India, USA, Japan, Australia

Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Total Members, 2024 Summit & MCQs

Now, we will explore the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an important topic for Static GK, especially for UPSC and other competitive exams. You’ll learn about the SCO members, how many countries SCO consists of in total, and the key facts related to SCO summits, including the SCO Summit 2023, updates on the upcoming 2024 SCO Summit, and expected agendas for SCO 2025. We will also cover the formation, purpose, and growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Finally, to boost your preparation, we will solve important SCO MCQs to reinforce your knowledge on this key international grouping.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

i) The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental organization.

ii) Founded on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China.

iii) Its headquarters is located in Beijing, China.

iv) The SCO primarily focuses on political, economic, and security-related cooperation among its member states.

v) The SCO was initially formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

vi) Later, India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017.

vii) Iran became a full member in 2023.

viii) The organization works to combat terrorism, separatism, extremism, and also promotes regional connectivity, economic development, and mutual trust among member states.

Total Members of SCO : - 9

i) China ii) Russia iii) Kazakhstan iv) Kyrgyzstan v) Tajikistan vi) Uzbekistan

vii) India viii) Pakistan ix) Iran

Besides full members, SCO also includes observer states (like Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia) and dialogue partners.

Complete Guide to BRICS: History, Members, Role & Relevance

Now we explore BRICS Static GK, we’ll cover key topics important for UPSC and other exams. You’ll learn the full form of BRICS, its headquarters, original and new BRICS members, and the emerging idea of a unified BRICS currency. We'll also clarify the confusion with Bric's Bag, a popular fashion brand unrelated to the group. This session includes updated facts and BRICS MCQs to help strengthen your understanding of this global alliance for exam success.

All About BRICS – Key Points

Full Form: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

Nature: An informal intergovernmental grouping of emerging economies.

Foundation Year: First BRIC summit held in 2009 in Russia.

& South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.

New Members (Effective 2025) of BRICS:

i) Iran ii) United Arab Emirates (UAE) iii) Egypt iv) Ethiopia

v) Indonesia: Officially joined as the 10th member from January 2025.

Saudi Arabia: Invited, but yet to formalize membership.

Argentina: Initially considered, but opted out in 2024.

Significance on Global GDP Share:

BRICS accounted for 35% of global GDP (before Indonesia joined).

Population: Represents 46% of the world's population.

Geopolitical Role: Seeks to counterbalance G7 and the Western-led global order.

Economic Agenda of BRICS:

i) Promote local currency trade.

ii) Reduce dependence on US Dollar.

iii) Push for reforms in global institutions like UN, IMF, World Bank.

BRICS Static GK MCQ With Answers

1. Indonesia officially became the 10th member of BRICS in which year?

(a) 2023

(b) 2024

(d) 2026

Explanation: Indonesia officially joined BRICS as the 10th member, effective from January 2025.

2. Which of the following countries was initially expected to join BRICS in 2024 but later declined?

(a) Saudi Arabia

(b) Argentina

(d) UAE

Answer: (b) Argentina

Explanation: Argentina was expected to join BRICS in 2024 but later chose not to.

3. Which of the following countries is yet to formalise its membership in BRICS as of 2025?

(a) Iran

(b) Egypt

(d) Ethiopia

Answer: (c) Saudi Arabia

Explanation: Saudi Arabia is yet to formalise its membership in BRICS.

4. What was one of the major agendas of BRICS mentioned recently?

(a) Expand NATO

(b) Abolish the UN

(d) Establish a single-party system

Answer: (c) Promote local currencies and reduce dependence on the US dollar

Explanation: BRICS aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar by promoting local currencies and non-dollar international transactions.

5. In which year was BRICS officially founded?

(a) 2001

(b) 2006

(d) 2010

Answer: (b) 2006

Explanation: The BRICS group was officially formed in 2006 when the foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, and China met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

6. What does BRICS stand for?

(A) Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

(B) Britain, Russia, Indonesia, China, South Africa

(D) Belgium, Russia, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia

Answer: (A) Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

7. Which of the following countries was the last to join BRICS?

(A) Brazil

(B) Russia

(D) South Africa

Answer: (D) South Africa

8. Where is the headquarters of the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS bank?

(A) New Delhi

(B) Moscow

(D) Johannesburg

Answer: (C) Shanghai

9. Which of the following is NOT a member of BRICS?

(A) Argentina