The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which recently signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, is a free trade area composed of which four European countries?
A Germany, France, Italy, Spain
B Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
C Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland
D Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
Answer: B
EFTA is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 to promote free trade and economic integration for the benefit of its four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
62.
The recently signed India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) includes a significant commitment from EFTA countries regarding investment. What is this commitment?
A To invest USD 100 billion in India over the next 15 years
B To provide preferential market access for Indian agricultural products
C To reduce tariffs on all Indian manufactured goods to zero immediately
D To facilitate the movement of Indian skilled professionals to EFTA countries
Answer: A
A key feature of the India-EFTA TEPA is EFTA's commitment to promote investment of USD 100 billion in India over the next 15 years, aiming to create 1 million direct jobs in India. This is a first-of-its-kind binding investment promotion commitment in an FTA.
63.
In a significant development for India's trade relations with Europe, India recently signed a major Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with which European bloc in March 2024?
A European Union (EU)
B European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
C United Kingdom (UK)
D Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Answer: B
India signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) β comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein β on March 10, 2024. This landmark agreement aims to boost trade and investment between India and the EFTA states.
64.
The UN Security Council frequently addresses the critical challenge of protecting civilians in armed conflict, a core mandate for many peacekeeping operations. Which of the following is a key principle guiding UN peacekeeping missions in fulfilling their Protection of Civilians (POC) mandates?
A Non-interference in internal affairs at all costs
B Use of force only for self-defense of peacekeepers
C Proactive and robust measures to protect civilians under imminent threat
D Exclusive reliance on political solutions without military presence
Answer: C
The Protection of Civilians (POC) mandate often requires UN peacekeepers to take proactive and robust measures, including the use of force, to protect civilians under imminent threat, within their capabilities and rules of engagement. This is a frequently discussed and challenging aspect of peacekeeping.
65.
In recent years, the UN Security Council has faced significant challenges regarding the withdrawal and transition of major peacekeeping missions. Which UN peacekeeping mission in Africa, after operating for over a decade, completed its withdrawal from Mali by the end of 2023, highlighting complex exit strategies?
A UNMISS (South Sudan)
B MONUSCO (DR Congo)
C MINUSMA (Mali)
D UNAMID (Darfur)
Answer: C
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) completed its withdrawal from Mali by December 31, 2023, following a request from the transitional government. This withdrawal presented significant logistical and security challenges for the UN.
66.
Which of the following initiatives, launched by the UN Secretary-General, aims to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations by focusing on performance, accountability, and safety of peacekeepers, and is regularly reviewed by the UN Security Council?
A Agenda for Peace
B Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+)
C Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
D Sustaining Peace Agenda
Answer: B
Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) was launched in 2018, and its follow-up, A4P+, continues to guide efforts to enhance the effectiveness and impact of UN peacekeeping operations, with regular discussions and reviews by the Security Council on its implementation and challenges.
67.
Which international legal framework is most frequently cited by various claimant states and international bodies when discussing maritime claims and disputes in the South China Sea?
A Geneva Conventions
B United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
C Universal Declaration of Human Rights
D Convention on Biological Diversity
Answer: B
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the primary international legal instrument governing maritime zones, rights, and responsibilities of states. It is central to discussions and interpretations of claims in the South China Sea.
68.
The core of the South China Sea tensions primarily revolves around:
A Disputes over fishing rights and environmental protection.
B Competing territorial and maritime claims over islands, reefs, and associated resource-rich waters.
C Disagreements on international aviation routes.
D Cultural and historical differences among littoral states.
Answer: B
The South China Sea dispute is fundamentally about competing sovereignty claims over various islands, reefs, and shoals, and the associated maritime zones, which are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves and are crucial for international shipping.
69.
What is the primary role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in addressing regional security issues like the South China Sea tensions?
A To enforce legally binding resolutions and sanctions on claimant states.
B To serve as a platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and preventive diplomacy among member states and dialogue partners.
C To establish a joint military force to patrol disputed waters.
D To mediate economic disputes unrelated to security.
Answer: B
The ARF is a key platform for multilateral dialogue on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific. Its role is to foster constructive dialogue, promote confidence-building measures, and engage in preventive diplomacy, rather than enforcement or military action.
70.
If successfully concluded, the India-EU FTA is expected to significantly boost trade in which of the following sectors for India?
A Heavy machinery and defense equipment.
B Information Technology (IT) services, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
C Crude oil and natural gas exports.
D Luxury goods manufacturing.
Answer: B
India has a strong competitive advantage in sectors like IT services, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. An FTA with the EU would likely reduce barriers for these sectors, leading to increased exports and economic growth for India.
