The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam remains the most coveted gateway to India’s civil services. A solid grasp of the static syllabus, especially subjects like International Relations, is essential for success. To fortify this foundation, UPSC Essentials has introduced a subject‑wise weekly quiz, offering aspirants a chance to test and refine their knowledge on current diplomatic and cultural developments.

Structure and Intent of the Quiz

Week 170’s quiz consists of three multiple‑choice questions, each accompanied by an extensive answer key. The first question probes the structure of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The second evaluates candidates’ ability to correctly map heritage sites mentioned in recent news. The third highlights a recent cultural repatriation event involving Australian museums returning Tamil Nadu artefacts. By blending factual recall with contextual analysis, the quiz mirrors the analytical rigour of the UPSC Prelims.

Question 1: Decoding UNHRC Facts

The explanation clarifies that the UNHRC is indeed an inter‑governmental body, but it operates out of Geneva, not New York. Moreover, UNHCR India collaborates with government, civil society, and the private sector—contrary to the claim that it works solely with the government. Consequently, only statement 1 is correct, making option (c) the right answer. This nuance underscores the importance of precise institutional knowledge, a recurring theme in UPSC examinations.

Question 2: Heritage Site Pairings

According to recent UNESCO and regional reports, the Khorramabad Valley lies in Iran, Saint Hilarion Monastery is situated in Gaza, and the Great Omari Mosque is also in Gaza. Hence, only one pairing (option a) is accurate. The question reflects a growing trend where UPSC asks candidates to verify the geopolitical context of cultural landmarks mentioned in the news.

Question 3: Repatriation of Tamil Nadu Artefacts

Australia has agreed to return three antiquities—sacred Nandi, a metal trident depicting Bhadrakali, and a six‑headed stone Karthikeya statue—to Tamil Nadu. This move stems from diplomatic outcomes of the India‑Australia summit and illustrates how cultural diplomacy is increasingly intertwined with international relations, a topic gaining prominence in the UPSC syllabus.

Overall, the quiz not only tests factual recall but also encourages aspirants to connect static syllabus concepts with evolving global events, thereby sharpening the analytical lens required for a successful UPSC journey.