BRICS Announces New Member Admission Criteria
The BRICS bloc has finalized a set of criteria for admitting new member countries to ensure economic and political alignment within the group.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Introduced the 'BRICS Partner Country' model.
- Criteria include economic size and commitment to multilateralism.
- Focus on 'BRICS Pay' for local currency settlements.
- Aims to strengthen the voice of the Global South.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 10–20 | International relations is a core GS-II topic for UPSC. Bilateral agreements, multilateral bodies, and geopolitics are essential. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | International summits, treaties, and India's bilateral relations appear in SSC GK. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Medium | 2–4 | G20, IMF/World Bank decisions, and global trade events are tested in banking exams. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Summit venue, participating nations, key outcomes, and India's stand
- Bilateral agreements: India + partner country, subject area, signing date
- Multilateral organizations: new members, leadership changes, major resolutions
- India's position on key global issues: UN voting, climate, trade
- Indices: Global Peace Index, Press Freedom Index, India's rank and change
Practice Questions
Q1. Which model was introduced by BRICS for nations seeking to engage with the bloc?
- BRICS Associate
- BRICS Partner Country
- BRICS Observer
- BRICS Ally
Explanation: The BRICS bloc introduced the 'BRICS Partner Country' model for gradual integration.
Q2. What is the primary goal of the 'BRICS Pay' system?
- To replace Bitcoin
- To reduce reliance on the US Dollar in trade
- To provide loans to European nations
- To manage global oil prices
Explanation: BRICS Pay is intended to facilitate trade in local currencies and reduce dependence on the US Dollar.
How to Prepare International Affairs for Government Exams
Focus on India-centric news — India's bilateral visits, MoUs signed, and positions in international bodies. This is what domestic exams test.
For UPSC, understand geopolitical context: Why does India take a particular position? What is India's strategic interest?
Keep a running note of all G20, SCO, BRICS, and QUAD-related outcomes. These bodies generate 3–5 questions per major exam cycle.
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