According to 'Global Peace Index, 2021', which of the following is the most peaceful region in the world?

The correct answer is B) Europe. The Global Peace Index, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranks countries on 23 indicators grouped under safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation. In the GPI 2021 regional breakdown, Europe was the most peaceful region, and Iceland was the most peaceful country in the world.

Why the others fail:

• Africa is not the most peaceful region. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a heavy burden of conflict and terrorism, especially in the Sahel and the Horn, and ranks among the least peaceful regions.
• Australia is a country, not a GPI region. It falls under the Asia-Pacific grouping, which sits well below Europe.
• South America is covered under Latin America and the Caribbean, which has high homicide rates and ranks well below Europe.

Core concept: the GPI is a composite index, and regional rankings are averages of country scores, so one conflict-hit country can pull a region down. For Mains (GS-2 and GS-3), the index helps you link peace with development, governance and internal security.

Trap: candidates pick Australia or a continent name as if it were a GPI region. Always check the index's own regional grouping before answering.