India and Australia — bridging the trade and trust barrier

The Digital Single Market Strategy refers to an initiative by the European Union (EU) that aims to create a unified digital market across all member states. Overall, the Digital Single Market Strategy aims to stimulate growth in the European digital economy by fostering innovation, competition, and consumer confidence in the online marketplace.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free trade agreement that involves the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its FTA partners — Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. It aims to create a comprehensive economic partnership covering trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, and e-commerce. ASEAN was initially a 10-member bloc consisting of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2025, Timor-Leste (East Timor) formally became the 11th member of ASEAN — marking its first expansion since Cambodia’s inclusion in 1999. In the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit (2025), both sides endorsed the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030), focusing on areas such as maritime cooperation, digital innovation, education, and sustainable development. The year 2026 was declared the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. Hence, the RCEP continues to be associated with ASEAN and its FTA partners, and the correct answer remains (b) ASEAN.

All 6 participants of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are member countries bordering the basins of the Mekong and Ganga rivers, aiming to collaborate on various initiatives. These countries are: - India - Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Thailand - Vietnam Hence, China & Bangladesh are not part of the Mekong-Ganga Corporation.

Statement 1 is correct. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. (Actually, as of April 2024, it has 109 members). Statement 2 is incorrect. India is not the largest shareholder in AIIB. China is the largest shareholder. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the focus is on Asia, several non-Asian countries are members, including some European and South American nations.

The Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is negotiated between India and the European Union (EU).

Statement 1 is correct: The Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) was hosted in New Delhi in October 2015. The first and second summits were held in 2008 (New Delhi) and 2011 (Addis Ababa), respectively, making the 2015 event the third edition. Statement 2 is incorrect: The India-Africa Forum Summit was institutionalized in 2008 to serve as the official platform for African-Indian relations. While Jawaharlal Nehru was a pioneer of Afro-Asian solidarity (e.g., the Asian Relations Conference of 1947), the IAFS is a distinct 21st-century initiative and was not established in 1951.

The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures', and 'Peace Clause' all appear in the context of the affairs of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Agreement on Agriculture: This agreement regulates trade in agricultural products among WTO member countries. It aims to promote fair trade practices and reduce distortions caused by subsidies and other measures. Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement): This agreement sets out rules for countries to ensure the safety and quality of food, animals, and plants traded internationally. It helps to prevent the spread of pests and diseases while minimizing unnecessary barriers to trade. Peace Clause: This provision within the Agreement on Agriculture provides some flexibility for developing countries regarding their agricultural subsidy programs. It allows them to offer certain subsidies to their farmers without facing challenges from other WTO members.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal transport network aimed at boosting trade between India, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe, using a combination of sea, rail, and road routes via Iran. The corridor connects Mumbai → Bandar Abbas (Iran) → Azerbaijan → Russia → Europe, with access to Central Asia.

* Both statements about the G-20 are correct  * Statement 1 is correct: The G-20 originated as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to address global economic and financial issues. It has since expanded its focus to other areas of international cooperation.  * Statement 2 is correct: India, as the chair of the G-20 in 2023, prioritised digital public infrastructure as one of its key areas of focus. This included discussions on promoting responsible use of artificial intelligence, bridging the digital divide, and fostering inclusive growth through digitalization.

Statement 1 is correct. The United Nations General Assembly may grant non-member states, international organizations, and other entities Permanent Observer Status. Statement 2 is correct. The General Assembly decided that observer status would be confined to States and intergovernmental organizations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly. Statement 3 is correct. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN Headquarters.