Q.1 Which of the following is the primary international organization responsible for maintaining peace and security?
European Union
United Nations
NATO
World Trade Organization
Explanation - The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote international peace, security, and cooperation among nations.
Correct answer is: United Nations
Q.2 Which principle of international law prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state?
Sovereignty
Non-intervention
Pacta sunt servanda
Use of Force
Explanation - The principle of non-intervention prohibits states from using force to interfere in the internal or external affairs of other states.
Correct answer is: Non-intervention
Q.3 What is the main function of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
To legislate international laws
To settle disputes between states
To enforce sanctions
To provide military advice
Explanation - The ICJ, also known as the World Court, settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions.
Correct answer is: To settle disputes between states
Q.4 Which treaty is considered the cornerstone of modern international humanitarian law?
Geneva Conventions
UN Charter
Treaty of Versailles
Hague Convention
Explanation - The Geneva Conventions regulate the treatment of non-combatants and prisoners of war, forming the foundation of international humanitarian law.
Correct answer is: Geneva Conventions
Q.5 Which of the following is a source of international law according to Article 38 of the ICJ Statute?
Customary international law
National legislation
Religious texts
Local bylaws
Explanation - Article 38 identifies customary international law, treaties, general principles of law, and judicial decisions as sources of international law.
Correct answer is: Customary international law
Q.6 What does the principle 'Pacta sunt servanda' mean in international law?
Treaties must be executed in good faith
All states are equal
War is prohibited
Sovereignty is absolute
Explanation - This principle holds that agreements and treaties are binding upon the parties and must be honored in good faith.
Correct answer is: Treaties must be executed in good faith
Q.7 Which principle limits the jurisdiction of states over foreign nationals on their territory?
Territoriality
Nationality
Universality
Sovereignty
Explanation - The territoriality principle restricts a state's legal authority to persons, acts, and property within its own territory.
Correct answer is: Territoriality
Q.8 Which of the following is NOT considered a principle of international law?
Sovereign equality
Non-intervention
Absolute power of states
Peaceful settlement of disputes
Explanation - International law limits state powers through principles like sovereignty, non-intervention, and peaceful dispute settlement; absolute power is not recognized.
Correct answer is: Absolute power of states
Q.9 The doctrine of 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) addresses what issue?
Trade disputes
Environmental protection
Prevention of mass atrocities
Maritime boundaries
Explanation - R2P asserts that states have a responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Correct answer is: Prevention of mass atrocities
Q.10 Which of the following agreements primarily regulates the law of the sea?
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Geneva Conventions
Paris Agreement
Kyoto Protocol
Explanation - UNCLOS sets rules for territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, navigation rights, and maritime resource management.
Correct answer is: UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Q.11 What is the role of customary international law?
It codifies written agreements only
It regulates the behavior of states based on consistent practice and belief
It applies only to treaties
It governs only domestic law
Explanation - Customary international law emerges from general and consistent state practices accepted as legally binding.
Correct answer is: It regulates the behavior of states based on consistent practice and belief
Q.12 Which of the following is an example of a jus cogens norm?
Prohibition of genocide
Freedom of trade
Diplomatic immunity
Extradition agreements
Explanation - Jus cogens norms are peremptory principles of international law that are universally recognized and cannot be violated.
Correct answer is: Prohibition of genocide
Q.13 Which international body is primarily responsible for prosecuting individuals for genocide and crimes against humanity?
UN Security Council
International Criminal Court
World Court
Interpol
Explanation - The ICC prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
Correct answer is: International Criminal Court
Q.14 Which concept allows states to be held accountable for violations of international law?
Sovereign immunity
State responsibility
Diplomatic immunity
Non-intervention
Explanation - State responsibility is the legal principle that holds states accountable for internationally wrongful acts.
Correct answer is: State responsibility
Q.15 Which treaty abolished slavery and the slave trade internationally?
Geneva Convention
Slavery Convention of 1926
Paris Peace Treaty
Treaty of Westphalia
Explanation - The Slavery Convention aimed to eliminate slavery and regulate the slave trade worldwide.
Correct answer is: Slavery Convention of 1926
Q.16 Which principle allows the UN Security Council to authorize the use of force?
Chapter VI of the UN Charter
Chapter VII of the UN Charter
Non-intervention
Sovereign equality
Explanation - Chapter VII empowers the Security Council to take military or non-military action to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Correct answer is: Chapter VII of the UN Charter
Q.17 Which is considered a limitation on the use of force under international law?
Self-defense
Economic sanctions
Non-recognition of states
Territorial claims
Explanation - Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, states may only use force in self-defense against an armed attack, limiting otherwise illegal use of force.
Correct answer is: Self-defense
Q.18 Which legal principle obliges states to recognize and respect the sovereignty of other states?
Non-intervention
Pacta sunt servanda
Sovereign immunity
Territoriality
Explanation - Non-intervention requires states to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other sovereign states.
Correct answer is: Non-intervention
Q.19 Which convention addresses the protection of cultural property during armed conflict?
Hague Convention of 1954
Geneva Convention
UNCLOS
Paris Agreement
Explanation - This convention seeks to safeguard cultural heritage and property from damage or theft during armed conflicts.
Correct answer is: Hague Convention of 1954
Q.20 What does the principle of 'universal jurisdiction' entail?
States can try their own citizens only
States can prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they occurred
States must defer all trials to the ICJ
It limits prosecution to maritime zones
Explanation - Universal jurisdiction allows states to prosecute crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, even if committed abroad.
Correct answer is: States can prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they occurred
Q.21 Which international agreement regulates the trade of endangered species?
CITES
Kyoto Protocol
UNCLOS
Geneva Conventions
Explanation - The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) aims to ensure that international trade does not threaten wildlife survival.
Correct answer is: CITES
Q.22 What is the primary goal of the International Labour Organization (ILO)?
Regulate international trade
Protect workers' rights globally
Maintain world peace
Promote environmental standards
Explanation - The ILO sets international labor standards and promotes decent work conditions worldwide.
Correct answer is: Protect workers' rights globally
Q.23 Which document is considered the foundational charter of the United Nations?
UN Charter
Geneva Conventions
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Hague Convention
Explanation - The UN Charter, signed in 1945, establishes the structure, functions, and principles of the United Nations.
Correct answer is: UN Charter
Q.24 Which body has the power to impose sanctions on states under international law?
International Criminal Court
UN Security Council
ICJ
World Court
Explanation - The Security Council can impose economic, diplomatic, and military sanctions to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Correct answer is: UN Security Council