A classic 'Attention to Detail' trap. While the location (Kazan) is easy, Statement III swaps 'Multilateralism' with 'Multiculturalism'—a lethal error for speed-readers. Statement II relies on the specific 2025 timeline update regarding Indonesia's accession status.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Which country chaired (held the presidency for) the 16th BRICS Summit?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Under Russia’s presidency, BRICS (acronym for the founding states – Brazil, Russia, India and China) held its first summit following the group’s expansion on 1 January 2024, from 22 to 24 October in Kazan (Russia)."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states which country held the presidency for the summit.
- Links the presidency to the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia.
"On 24 October, Russia hosted a plenary session of the 16th BRICS Summit in the BRICS Plus/Outreach format,"
Why this source?
- Describes Russia as the host of a plenary session of the 16th BRICS Summit.
- Supports the conclusion that Russia chaired/hosted the summit events on 24 October.
"The 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan under the theme ‘Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security’, was deemed a diplomatic success for Russia,"
Why this source?
- States the summit was held in Kazan and characterizes it as a diplomatic success for Russia.
- Reinforces that Russia was the presiding/host country for the 16th summit.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
Strength: 5/5
“It is a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa• The Bank finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. • The Bank supports public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.• It complements the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions toward global growth and development.• The Bank also provides technical assistance for projects to be supported by the NDB and engage in information, cultural and personnel exchanges with the purpose of contributing to the achievement of environmental and social sustainability.• All powers of the Bank are vested with the Board of Governors, which is the highest decision-making body under whom there is Board of Directors, while the Bank is headed by the President.• The Bank's Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power.• The Bank shall have an initial subscribed capital of US$ 50 billion which shall be equally distributed amongst the founding members (i.e., each member will have $10 billion of subscribed capital).”
Why relevant
Lists the BRICS founding members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), establishing the small, fixed set of countries among which summit presidency would rotate or be held.
How to extend
A student can use this member list plus an external timetable or map to check which of these five countries hosted/chaired the 16th summit in the relevant year.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
Strength: 3/5
“In 2012, BRICS nations proposed to set up Multilateral Development Bank.
• The need for New Development Bank (NDB) was felt because of: • IMF and WB were inclined more towards the developed Western countries. • BRICS nations have less than 15 per cent voting rights in IMF at present although they account for around half of the world's population.”
Why relevant
Refers to 'BRICS nations' as a cohesive group proposing joint institutions (e.g., NDB), reinforcing that summit leadership is an intra-BRICS matter among those same countries.
How to extend
Combine this confirmation of a single BRICS bloc with external sources (e.g., BRICS summit records or news by year) to identify which BRICS country held the presidency for the 16th summit.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CONTINGENT RESERVE ARRANGEMENT > p. 530
Strength: 3/5
“• It was introduced in 2015 by the BRICS countries to overcome the BOP problems of BRICS \bulletcountries by providing short-term liquidity support through liquidity and precautionary instruments. • The CRA along with NDB is viewed as an example of increasing South-South cooperation. • For CRA, there is a total capital contribution of US$ 100 billion (highest by China: $41 billion). • The voting right of India is equal to that of Brazil and Russia, i.e. 18.10 per cent.”
Why relevant
Notes BRICS collective initiatives (Contingent Reserve Arrangement introduced by BRICS in 2015), showing that major BRICS events and decisions are taken within the five-member framework.
How to extend
Use this pattern of BRICS collective action plus a simple external check (summit chronology or official BRICS website) to determine which member chaired the 16th summit.
Statement 2
In which city and country was the 16th BRICS Summit held (BRICS)?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"We, the Leaders of BRICS countries, met in Kazan, Russian Federation, from 22 to 24 October 2024 for the XVI BRICS Summit"
Why this source?
- Official MEA source stating the leaders met in the location for the XVI BRICS Summit
- Explicitly names the city and country (Kazan, Russian Federation) and gives summit dates
"16th BRICS Summit : 22 - 24 October 2024 (Kazan, Russia)."
Why this source?
- Lists the 16th BRICS Summit with the city and country in parentheses
- Concise factual entry confirming Kazan, Russia as the summit location
"held its first summit following the group’s expansion on 1 January 2024, from 22 to 24 October in Kazan (Russia)."
Why this source?
- Analytical write-up describing the summit and explicitly stating it was held in Kazan, Russia
- Provides the same city and country, corroborating other sources
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
Strength: 5/5
“In 2012, BRICS nations proposed to set up Multilateral Development Bank.
• The need for New Development Bank (NDB) was felt because of: • IMF and WB were inclined more towards the developed Western countries. • BRICS nations have less than 15 per cent voting rights in IMF at present although they account for around half of the world's population.”
Why relevant
Lists BRICS nations and describes their cooperation (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), establishing which countries are parties to BRICS.
How to extend
A student could use the membership list plus a map or news timeline to narrow likely host countries for a given BRICS summit year (host rotates among members).
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
Strength: 4/5
“It is a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa• The Bank finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. • The Bank supports public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.• It complements the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions toward global growth and development.• The Bank also provides technical assistance for projects to be supported by the NDB and engage in information, cultural and personnel exchanges with the purpose of contributing to the achievement of environmental and social sustainability.• All powers of the Bank are vested with the Board of Governors, which is the highest decision-making body under whom there is Board of Directors, while the Bank is headed by the President.• The Bank's Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power.• The Bank shall have an initial subscribed capital of US$ 50 billion which shall be equally distributed amongst the founding members (i.e., each member will have $10 billion of subscribed capital).”
Why relevant
Explains the New Development Bank was established by the five BRICS members, reinforcing that major BRICS institutions and summits are organized by those countries.
How to extend
Knowing the five members, one could check which of these countries hosted recent BRICS summits or apply the rotating-host pattern to propose candidate host countries.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CONTINGENT RESERVE ARRANGEMENT > p. 530
Strength: 3/5
“• It was introduced in 2015 by the BRICS countries to overcome the BOP problems of BRICS \bulletcountries by providing short-term liquidity support through liquidity and precautionary instruments. • The CRA along with NDB is viewed as an example of increasing South-South cooperation. • For CRA, there is a total capital contribution of US$ 100 billion (highest by China: $41 billion). • The voting right of India is equal to that of Brazil and Russia, i.e. 18.10 per cent.”
Why relevant
Mentions a BRICS initiative introduced in 2015, indicating BRICS conduct coordinated actions and periodic meetings among member states.
How to extend
From the pattern that BRICS meet to launch initiatives, a student could infer summits are held in member countries and then look up which member hosted the 16th meeting.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > fuo+zo > p. 427
Strength: 3/5
“• The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 4-6, 2012. • The first UN Conference on Sustainable Development was the "Earth Summit", held in 1992, and it spawned the three "Rio Conventions" - thE UNFCCC, thc UNCCD, ANd thc UNCBD.”
Why relevant
Provides an example that international summits are conventionally referenced by city and country (Earth Summit — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
How to extend
Use this naming convention to search or verify the 16th BRICS Summit by looking for a 'city, country' style reference in external sources.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > r. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) > p. 389
Strength: 2/5
“Also known as the Rio Summit, Rio Conference, Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992.
The issues addressed included:
• Systematic scrutiny of patterns of production, particularly the production of toxic components such as lead in gasoline, or poisonous waste including radioactive chemicals
• Alternative sources of energy to replace the use of fossil fuels which are linked to global climate change
• Reduce reliance on public transportation systems in order to reduce vehicle emissions, congestion in cities and the health problems caused by polluted air and smog
• The growing scarcity of water”
Why relevant
Another example showing an international summit (Rio Summit) is tied to a specific host city and country, illustrating common practice for summit location reporting.
How to extend
A student can apply this pattern—expecting a BRICS summit to be reported as 'City, Country'—to check media or official communiqués for the 16th BRICS Summit location.
Statement 3
Has Indonesia become a full member of BRICS?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"In January 2025, Indonesia joined the BRICS as a full member"
Why this source?
- Official Ministry of External Affairs (India) document explicitly states Indonesia's accession.
- Provides the date framing (January 2025) when Indonesia joined as a full member.
"Brazil, as the BRICS chair this year, released a statement announcing that Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS"
Why this source?
- News report notes Brazil (as BRICS chair) announced Indonesia becoming a full member.
- Includes confirmation from a foreign ministry spokesperson acknowledging Indonesia's entry.
"Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country that has been accepted as a full member."
Why this source?
- Voice of America article states Indonesia has been accepted as a full BRICS member.
- Specifies regional significance: Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country accepted as a full member.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
Strength: 5/5
“It is a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa• The Bank finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. • The Bank supports public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.• It complements the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions toward global growth and development.• The Bank also provides technical assistance for projects to be supported by the NDB and engage in information, cultural and personnel exchanges with the purpose of contributing to the achievement of environmental and social sustainability.• All powers of the Bank are vested with the Board of Governors, which is the highest decision-making body under whom there is Board of Directors, while the Bank is headed by the President.• The Bank's Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power.• The Bank shall have an initial subscribed capital of US$ 50 billion which shall be equally distributed amongst the founding members (i.e., each member will have $10 billion of subscribed capital).”
Why relevant
Gives the explicit list of BRICS founding members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), establishing the core membership baseline.
How to extend
A student could compare this baseline list with any claimed new members (e.g., Indonesia) by checking whether Indonesia appears in updated BRICS membership lists or announcements.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
Strength: 4/5
“In 2012, BRICS nations proposed to set up Multilateral Development Bank.
• The need for New Development Bank (NDB) was felt because of: • IMF and WB were inclined more towards the developed Western countries. • BRICS nations have less than 15 per cent voting rights in IMF at present although they account for around half of the world's population.”
Why relevant
Describes collective BRICS actions (proposal to set up the New Development Bank), illustrating BRICS as a defined group taking joint institutional steps.
How to extend
Use the fact BRICS undertakes formal institutional initiatives to infer that membership changes are likely recorded in official BRICS communiqués or institutional documents to verify any new member like Indonesia.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CONTINGENT RESERVE ARRANGEMENT > p. 530
Strength: 4/5
“• It was introduced in 2015 by the BRICS countries to overcome the BOP problems of BRICS \bulletcountries by providing short-term liquidity support through liquidity and precautionary instruments. • The CRA along with NDB is viewed as an example of increasing South-South cooperation. • For CRA, there is a total capital contribution of US$ 100 billion (highest by China: $41 billion). • The voting right of India is equal to that of Brazil and Russia, i.e. 18.10 per cent.”
Why relevant
Explains BRICS-created mechanisms (Contingent Reserve Arrangement) and voting patterns, showing BRICS operate shared financial arrangements that imply a formal membership structure.
How to extend
A student could look for revisions to such BRICS instruments or voting shares in CRA/NDB documents to see if a new member (Indonesia) was admitted and allocated rights.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > ASEAN > p. 550
Strength: 3/5
“@ ASEAN
• It is the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
• It was established in 1967 in Bangkok by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
• Currently, it has 10 member States and 2 observer States.
• India is neither a member nor an observer. \Rightarrow \bullet
• Its aim is to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development along with promotion of peace and stability in the region.”
Why relevant
Identifies Indonesia as a founding member of ASEAN and one of a regional bloc's key states, providing a reminder of Indonesia's international affiliations and relevance.
How to extend
Knowing Indonesia's active regional role, a student could reasonably check whether Indonesia has sought or been granted membership in other major groups (like BRICS) by consulting recent diplomatic announcements or BRICS summit statements.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > 2020 > p. 553
Strength: 2/5
“• 1. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? • (a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey• (b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand• (c) Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam• (d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea• 2. With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct? • 1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.• 2.”
Why relevant
Includes Indonesia in a list of countries used in a G20-related question, indicating Indonesia's participation in major international groupings (context for possible BRICS interest).
How to extend
Use Indonesia's presence in multilateral forums as a prompt to search news/official BRICS sources for any announcements of enlargement to include Indonesia.
Statement 4
What was the official theme of the 16th BRICS Summit?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
Strength: 4/5
“In 2012, BRICS nations proposed to set up Multilateral Development Bank.
• The need for New Development Bank (NDB) was felt because of: • IMF and WB were inclined more towards the developed Western countries. • BRICS nations have less than 15 per cent voting rights in IMF at present although they account for around half of the world's population.”
Why relevant
Describes BRICS initiatives (proposal of a New Development Bank) and motivations — indicates BRICS prioritise development and institutional cooperation.
How to extend
A student could infer that BRICS summit themes often reflect development/cooperation priorities and check the 16th Summit's communiqué or press release for a development-oriented theme.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CONTINGENT RESERVE ARRANGEMENT > p. 530
Strength: 4/5
“• It was introduced in 2015 by the BRICS countries to overcome the BOP problems of BRICS \bulletcountries by providing short-term liquidity support through liquidity and precautionary instruments. • The CRA along with NDB is viewed as an example of increasing South-South cooperation. • For CRA, there is a total capital contribution of US$ 100 billion (highest by China: $41 billion). • The voting right of India is equal to that of Brazil and Russia, i.e. 18.10 per cent.”
Why relevant
Explains the Contingent Reserve Arrangement as a BRICS instrument for balance-of-payments and South–South cooperation.
How to extend
Use this pattern (BRICS emphasise financial cooperation) to hypothesise the summit theme might relate to economic stability or cooperation, then verify against official summit materials.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
Strength: 4/5
“It is a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa• The Bank finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. • The Bank supports public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.• It complements the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions toward global growth and development.• The Bank also provides technical assistance for projects to be supported by the NDB and engage in information, cultural and personnel exchanges with the purpose of contributing to the achievement of environmental and social sustainability.• All powers of the Bank are vested with the Board of Governors, which is the highest decision-making body under whom there is Board of Directors, while the Bank is headed by the President.• The Bank's Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power.• The Bank shall have an initial subscribed capital of US$ 50 billion which shall be equally distributed amongst the founding members (i.e., each member will have $10 billion of subscribed capital).”
Why relevant
Describes the New Development Bank's mandate to finance infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS and other emerging economies.
How to extend
Since the NDB and sustainable development are central to BRICS, a student could reasonably look for summit themes mentioning 'sustainable development', 'infrastructure' or 'global growth' and then confirm with primary sources.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > THE EARTH SUMMIT > p. 597
Strength: 3/5
“The delegates from 178 nations met in Rio De Janeiro in June 1992 for the largest UN conference - 'The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)' also known as 'The Earth Summit'. The summit was intended to put sustainable development at the forefront and to frame a common action plan to stop environmental degradation. An action plan was framed in this summit with regard to sustainable development, known as 'Agenda 21'. • Outcome documents of the Earth Summit: Rio Declaration on Environment and ö Development, Agenda 21, Forest Principles. • Important legally binding agreements that were signed: Convention on Biological ō Diversity (CBD), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).”
Why relevant
Shows how large international summits (Earth Summit) explicitely adopt focused themes (sustainable development/Agenda 21) and produce outcome documents tied to that theme.
How to extend
Apply the general rule that summits declare concise themed agendas (e.g., sustainable development) and search the 16th BRICS Summit documentation for its declared theme.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > Earth SummIt. > p. 5
Strength: 3/5
“Te United Nations sponsored Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 from 3rd to 14th June. In this summit, leaders of 100 nations, over 10,000 delegates from over 160 countries, are nearly 9000 journalists participated. Te focus of the conference was the Agenda 21, the problems of 21st Century and the treaties, biodiversity and climatic change. Te summit ended with the declaration of 27 principles which came to be known as Agenda 21 (the Agenda for 21st century). Maurice F. Strong, a Canadian and Secretary General of the UNCED, summarised in his conference address. Te people of our planet, especially our youth and the generation which follow them, will hold us accountable for what we do or fail to do at the Earth Summit in Rio.”
Why relevant
Gives an example of a summit with a clear, named focus and large participation — illustrating the convention of summits having official themes.
How to extend
Use this example as justification to expect the 16th BRICS Summit had a similarly explicit theme and to look up the summit host's official announcements to confirm the exact wording.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC is weaponizing 'Keyword Swaps' in themes. They replace a political term (Multilateralism) with a social term (Multiculturalism). Accuracy > Speed in reading statements.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Trap (Statement III) + Current Affairs Update. Source: MEA Official Statements/Summit Declaration.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: GS-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India (BRICS Expansion & Summit Outcomes).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. The 5 new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE). 2. The 'Partner Country' category created at Kazan (13 nations). 3. Next Chair: Brazil (2025). 4. Key Initiative: BRICS Grain Exchange & Cross-border payment discussions.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Never skim the 'Theme'. UPSC deliberately swaps high-sounding adjectives. Ask: Does 'Multiculturalism' fit a geopolitical/economic bloc? No, 'Multilateralism' (power structure) is the core BRICS agenda.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 BRICS founding members
💡 The insight
Knowing the five founding members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) identifies which countries participate in and can hold BRICS presidencies.
High-yield for polity and international relations questions: membership underpins questions on leadership rotation, voting arrangements, and institutional initiatives. Connects to topics on grouping behaviour, regional blocs, and India’s role in multilateral fora. Enables questions asking who can preside over BRICS events or how membership affects institutional decisions.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
🔗 Anchor: "Which country chaired (held the presidency for) the 16th BRICS Summit?"
👉 New Development Bank (NDB) — BRICS multilateral bank
💡 The insight
The NDB is an institutional product of BRICS cooperation and is routinely linked to summit agendas and leadership priorities.
Important for economy and international organisation themes: explains BRICS’ move to build alternative financial architecture, ties to development finance and South–South cooperation. Useful for questions on multilateral institutions, contestation of IMF/World Bank dominance, and policy outputs of summit presidencies.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
🔗 Anchor: "Which country chaired (held the presidency for) the 16th BRICS Summit?"
👉 Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)
💡 The insight
The CRA is a BRICS financial mechanism introduced by member states and reflects summit-level economic cooperation decisions.
Relevant for questions linking international finance and geopolitics: shows practical mechanisms BRICS members use for balance-of-payments support and regional financial resilience. Helps answer questions on alternative liquidity arrangements and institutional instruments created during summit processes.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CONTINGENT RESERVE ARRANGEMENT > p. 530
🔗 Anchor: "Which country chaired (held the presidency for) the 16th BRICS Summit?"
👉 BRICS membership (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
💡 The insight
Knowing the five founding member countries of BRICS is fundamental when locating meetings, institutions, or initiatives associated with the grouping.
High-yield for polity and international relations questions: helps identify stakeholders, voting dynamics, and regional balances in questions about BRICS actions. Connects to topics on bilateral/multilateral diplomacy and global economic governance; useful for questions asking about institutional initiatives or summit hosts.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
🔗 Anchor: "In which city and country was the 16th BRICS Summit held (BRICS)?"
👉 New Development Bank (NDB) — BRICS multilateral bank
💡 The insight
The NDB is a principal institutional outcome of BRICS cooperation and is often discussed at BRICS summits and communiqués.
Important for economy and international institutions topics: explains BRICS' approach to development finance and alternatives to IMF/World Bank. Useful for questions on South–South cooperation, development finance architecture, and institutional reforms.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK OR BRICS DEVELOPMENT BANK > p. 528
🔗 Anchor: "In which city and country was the 16th BRICS Summit held (BRICS)?"
👉 Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) — BRICS liquidity mechanism
💡 The insight
CRA is a BRICS-created instrument for short-term liquidity support and is a recurrent agenda item in BRICS policy coordination.
Relevant for questions on macroeconomic stability, international monetary cooperation, and regional financial safety nets. Helps answer questions on crisis-response mechanisms and comparative analysis with IMF facilities.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CONTINGENT RESERVE ARRANGEMENT > p. 530
🔗 Anchor: "In which city and country was the 16th BRICS Summit held (BRICS)?"
👉 BRICS founding members
💡 The insight
Defines the original full members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), providing the baseline against which any new membership claims are judged.
High-yield for UPSC because questions often ask about composition and evolution of international groupings; links to geopolitics, South-South cooperation and institutions like the NDB. Knowing founders helps eliminate incorrect options about membership and understand expansion dynamics.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.16 New Development Bank (NDB)/ BRICS Bank > p. 401
🔗 Anchor: "Has Indonesia become a full member of BRICS?"
The 'Partner Country' Category: At Kazan, a new tier was created for countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The next question will likely ask to distinguish between 'Full Members' and 'Partner Countries'.
The 'DNA Mismatch' Hack: BRICS is an Economic and Geopolitical bloc, not a Cultural forum (like UNESCO). 'Multiculturalism' is a social concept. 'Multilateralism' is a geopolitical concept. Since the organization's DNA is geopolitical, the social keyword in the theme is the imposter.
Mains GS-3 (Economy) & GS-2 (IR): Link the 'Strengthening Multilateralism' theme to 'De-dollarization'. The summit's push for local currency settlement (BRICS Pay) is the economic tool to achieve the political goal of Multilateralism.