The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was established in ______.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: 2001.
Explanation:
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was officially established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China.
- Background (The Shanghai Five): Prior to the formation of the SCO, the 'Shanghai Five' (China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) existed in 1996. It was renamed the SCO following the inclusion of Uzbekistan in 2001.
- Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Beijing, China.
- India and Pakistan: Both these countries became full members of the SCO during the Astana Summit in 2017.
Important Facts Related to the SCO (Quick Revision):
- Objectives: To enhance cooperation among member states in the fields of security, politics, and economics, and to combat terrorism.
- RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure): This is a permanent body of the SCO, headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- Official Languages: Chinese and Russian.
- Newest Members: Iran (2023) and Belarus (2024) have become the newest full-time members of the SCO.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Which city was declared the first 'Cultural and Tourism Capital' of the SCO?
Answer: Varanasi, India (for 2022-23).
Question: Who is the current Secretary-General of the SCO?
Answer: Zhang Ming.
Question: Which country hosted the SCO Summit in 2024?
Answer: Kazakhstan (Astana).