24th SCO-CHS: Belarus Officially Becomes 10th Member of Shanghai Cooperation Org.

Current Context: The 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit was organized by Kazakhstan and took place in Astana on July 3-4, 2024.

• During the summit, Belarus was officially admitted as the 10th member state of the organization.
• This expansion signifies the SCO’s commitment to its role as a multilateral representation of the ‘new international order’ championed by China and Russia.
• The SCO, which originated as the Shanghai Five in 1996, has evolved from its initial focus on border talks and security to encompass broader regional issues.
• With Belarus joining, the SCO’s profile has increased, but it also faces challenges in maintaining regional relevance. 
•  while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar leads the Indian delegation.

Question:

1 Which country was officially admitted as the 10th member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the summit?

• A) Belarus
• B) India
• C) Pakistan
• D) Uzbekistan

Answer: A) During the summit, Belarus was officially admitted as the 10th member state of the organization.