UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 69: International Relations and Current Affairs
Consider the following statements about platforms for multilateral co-operation :
- 1.The ‘Colombo Process’ is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus.
- 2.The ‘Abu Dhabi Dialogue’ is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility.
- 3.The ‘Global Forum for Migration and Development’, created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The Colombo Process is a regional consultative process on overseas employment and labour migration among Asian countries of origin, and its recommendations are non-binding, so statement 1 is wrong. The Abu Dhabi Dialogue is a voluntary, non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination, so statement 2 is right. The Global Forum on Migration and Development was created on the proposal of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and is voluntary and non-binding, so statement 3 is right.
- 1. The Colombo Process is consultative and non-binding.
- 2. The Abu Dhabi Dialogue is voluntary and non-binding.
- 3. The GFMD is a voluntary, non-binding forum proposed by Kofi Annan.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (b) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The Colombo Process is consultative and non-binding.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: The GFMD is a voluntary, non-binding forum proposed by Kofi Annan.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 2.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Colombo Process decisions are not binding.
- (b) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
- (c) Right: the Abu Dhabi Dialogue and the GFMD are voluntary and non-binding.
- (d) Incomplete: statement 3 is also correct.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.