Question 8 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following countries:
1. Denmark
2. Japan
3. Russian Federation
4. United Kingdom
5. United States of America
Which of the above are the members of the 'Arctic Council'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 3, and 5

Strategy: Identify the eight Arctic states as full members of the Arctic Council. Exclude observer states like Japan and the UK. This process narrows the choices to the correct option, D.

Key Info: **About the Arctic Council**
The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum established in 1996 under the Ottawa Declaration to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction among Arctic States and indigenous communities.

*   **Full Members:** The eight Arctic States are Canada, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States of America. The Russian Federation and USA possess substantial Arctic territories, while Denmark contributes via its autonomous territory, Greenland.
*   **Observer States:** Japan and the United Kingdom are officially accredited as observer states, not full members. They can participate in meetings but have no decision-making power.
*   **Focus and Participation:** The Council focuses on sustainable development, environmental protection, and scientific cooperation. Major indigenous groups participate as Permanent Participants but do not have the status of member states.
*   **Operational Model:** The Council operates on consensus and is distinct from formal international treaties. Its influence is largely through working groups and policy recommendations.

Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 3

Answer

Option B: 2, 3, and 4

Answer

Option C: 1, 4, and 5

Consider the following countries: Denmark Japan Russian Federation United Kingdom United States of America Which of the above are the members of the 'Arctic Council'?

Consider the following countries:

Denmark

Japan

Russian Federation

United Kingdom

United States of America
Which of the above are the members of the 'Arctic Council'?