Ireland pretty hopeful of signing of EU-India FTA by year end: Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly

Consider the following statements:

I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I and III only
4. D. I, II and III

Consider the following pairs:

Country - Important reason for being in the news recently

1. Chad – Setting up of permanent military base by China.
2. Guinea – Suspension of Constitution and Government by military
3. Lebanon – Severe and prolonged economic depression
4. Tunisia – Suspension of Parliament by President

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. A. Only one pair
2. B. Only two pairs
3. C. Only three pairs
4. D. All four pairs

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD):

I. It provides loans and guarantees to middle income countries.
II. It works single-handedly to help developing countries to reduce poverty.
III. It was established to help Europe rebuild after the World War II.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I and III only
4. D. I, II and III

‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the -

1. A. European Central Bank
2. B. International Monetary Fund
3. C. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
4. D. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:
1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
2. The World Bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to -

1. A. ASEAN
2. B. BRICS
3. C. EU
4. D. G20

“Gold Tranche” (Reserve Tranche) refers to

1. A. a loan system of the World Bank
2. B. one of the operations of a Central Bank
3. C. a credit system granted by WTO to its members
4. D. a credit system granted by IMF to its members

Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and

1. A. European Union
2. B. Gulf Cooperation Council
3. C. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
4. D. Shanghai Cooperation Organization

With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:

1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

1. A. ILO
2. B. IMF
3. C. UNCTAD
4. D. WTO

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.

With reference to the recent developments concerning the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), consider the following statements: 1. Ireland is currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time. 2. The final sealing of the EU-India FTA is expected to be completed during Ireland's current presidency. 3. The EU-India FTA was formally concluded in January of the current year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Beyond traditional trade, the strategic partnership between the European Union and India, as highlighted in the article, encompasses which of the following areas? 1. Maritime security 2. Digital commerce 3. Research and connectivity 4. Resilient supply chains Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 1 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

The recent call by the EU Ambassador for ending the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz underscores its critical importance for:

1. A. Ensuring energy security for European nations only.
2. B. Facilitating global maritime trade and security in West Asia.
3. C. Promoting tourism and cultural exchange between Europe and India.
4. D. Establishing new digital commerce routes between the two regions.

The proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the broader strategic partnership are seen as crucial for both parties. Discuss the multi-faceted significance of this evolving relationship for India, extending beyond traditional trade to address contemporary global challenges.

Introduce the EU-India partnership and FTA. Discuss its economic, strategic, and geopolitical significance for India, covering trade, maritime security, digital commerce, and global challenges. Conclude with the potential impact.

The EU Ambassador's call for ending the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz highlights the critical role of maritime security in West Asia. Analyze the geopolitical and economic implications of disruptions to maritime passage through such critical chokepoints for global trade and India's strategic interests.

Define the Strait of Hormuz's importance. Analyze geopolitical implications (regional stability, power dynamics) and economic implications (oil prices, supply chains, trade routes). Discuss specific impacts on India's energy security and trade. Conclude with the need for international cooperation.