Which of the following country is one of the founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4: Kazakhstan.
Explanation:
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai (China). Kazakhstan was among its founding members.
- Founding Members (Shanghai Five + Uzbekistan): Originally known as the 'Shanghai Five' (1996), the group comprised China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. It was renamed the SCO following the inclusion of Uzbekistan in 2001.
- Why not the other options?
- India (Option 2) and Pakistan (Option 3): Both these countries became full members during the Astana Summit in 2017.
- Iran (Option 1): It officially became the 9th full member of the SCO in 2023.
Key Facts Related to the SCO (Quick Revision):
- Headquarters: Beijing, China.
- Permanent Bodies: The Secretariat in Beijing and the Council of RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
- Current Members (as of 2024): China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus (the 10th member, joined in July 2024).
Important Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: Which city was declared the first 'Cultural and Tourism Capital' of the SCO?
Answer: Varanasi (India).
Question: Which country held the presidency of the SCO Summit in 2023?
Answer: India (via virtual mode).
Question: What are the official languages of the SCO?
Answer: Chinese and Russian.