UPSC Prelims 2015 Q67: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR - ARC)',
consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)
Set up in March 1997, with its secretariat in Mauritius.
It was renamed the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2013.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills | Incorrect | It dates from 1997, after an idea of Nelson Mandela (1995) |
| 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only | Incorrect | Its main aim is economic cooperation: trade, investment, fisheries, disaster management, science |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Members | 23 Indian Ocean rim countries |
| Priority areas | Maritime safety, trade, fisheries, disaster risk, academic links, tourism, blue economy |
| Not to be confused with | IONS, the forum of navies (2008) |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It was set up in 1997, not recently, and not because of piracy.
- (b) Incorrect. It is not for maritime security only; economic cooperation is central.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false.
- (d) CORRECT. It is a 1997 body for wide economic and regional cooperation.
Key point
IOR-ARC (1997, Mauritius), renamed IORA in 2013: 23 Indian Ocean rim members; economic and regional cooperation, not just security.
Remember
IORA = 1997, Mauritius, economic cooperation.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'very recently' for a body founded in 1997.
- Accepting 'only' in statement 2.
- Confusing IORA (governments) with IONS (navies).
Exam tip
'Very recently' and 'only' in one question: both statements are likely false.
Sources
- Indian Ocean Rim Association — About IORA
- Ministry of External Affairs — Indian Ocean Rim Association brief