Q1.
With reference to the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), consider the following statements:
- The India–EU FTA is India’s most comprehensive trade agreement with a developed economic bloc.
- India and the European Union together account for nearly one-fourth of global GDP.
- The FTA provides immediate zero-duty access to all Indian agricultural products in the EU market.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. All Three
D. None
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: The India–EU FTA is widely described as the “mother of all deals”, reflecting its depth across goods, services, investments, and regulatory cooperation with a developed bloc.
- Statement 2 – Correct: India and the EU together account for around 25% of global GDP, making this one of the largest bilateral trade frameworks globally.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: Sensitive agricultural products such as dairy, cereals, poultry, and select farm goods are excluded or only partially liberalised; zero-duty access is not universal.
Q2.
The Kurdish-populated regions of Syria directly border which of the following?
- Türkiye
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Euphrates River basin
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 4 only
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
- The Kurdish regions of Syria lie in the north and northeast, directly bordering Türkiye and Iraq.
- They are located along and around the Euphrates River basin, which adds strategic importance due to water, agriculture, and energy resources.
- Jordan does not border Syria’s Kurdish regions, making option 3 incorrect.
Q3. The concept of the “China-plus-one strategy” is best linked to which static concern in international trade?
A. Overdependence on a single production geography
B. WTO dispute settlement paralysis
C. Decline of services trade
D. Currency manipulation by developing countries
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- The China-plus-one strategy addresses the risk of excessive dependence on a single manufacturing hub, exposed during COVID-19 and geopolitical disruptions.
- It seeks supply chain diversification, encouraging firms to locate production in alternative countries such as India, Vietnam, or Mexico.
- The India–EU FTA strengthens India’s positioning as a China-plus-one manufacturing destination.
Q4.
Assertion (A):
The Bactrian camel was the backbone of trans-Eurasian trade for nearly two millennia.
Reason (R):
It could survive extreme cold and heat, carry heavy loads, and travel long distances without freshwater.
Select the correct answer:
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Assertion is true: The Bactrian camel enabled sustained trade across Central Asia, connecting China, India, Persia, and Europe via the Silk Road.
- Reason is true: Its physiological adaptations—double humps, tolerance to extreme temperatures, high load capacity (~180 kg), and long endurance—made desert and mountain crossings possible.
- The Reason directly explains the Assertion, making option A correct.
Q5.
Assertion (A):
The Supreme Court’s emphasis on victim compensation in acid attack cases strengthens Article 21 of the Constitution.
Reason (R):
Article 21 has been judicially expanded to include the right to live with dignity and rehabilitation.
Select the correct answer:
A. Both A and R are correct and R explains A
B. Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A
C. A is correct but R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect but R is correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Assertion is correct: By prioritising compensation, medical care, and rehabilitation, the Court reinforces the substantive content of Article 21.
- Reason is correct: Judicial interpretation has expanded Article 21 beyond mere survival to include dignity, bodily integrity, rehabilitation, and restorative justice.
- The Reason explains why victim compensation is constitutionally grounded, making option A correct.
