Test: International Relations MCQs (August 2024 Current Affairs) - UPSC MCQ

1. Wassenaar Arrangement - India joined in 2018

- Incorrect. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017.

2. Nuclear Suppliers Group - India is a member

- Incorrect. India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group because it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

3. Australia Group - India joined in 2017

- Incorrect. India joined the Australia Group in 2018.

4. Missile Technology Control Regime - India joined in 2016

- Correct. India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016.

Based on the information provided, only the fourth pair is correctly matched. Therefore, the number of correctly matched pairs is one.

Hence, the correct answer is:

Answer: Option A: Only one pair

- Statement 1: Correct. The Supply Chain Council is indeed one of the entities established under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to enhance supply chain resilience. This council focuses on fortifying supply chains critical for national security, public health, and economic stability.

- Statement 2: Correct. The Crisis Response Network under IPEF serves as a platform for coordinated emergency responses to disruptions in supply chains. This network aims to address both immediate and long-term supply chain vulnerabilities.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. While India is the Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council, it does not hold the position of Chair. The USA holds the Chair position in the Supply Chain Council. Similarly, the USA is the Chair of the Labour Rights Advisory Board, with Fiji as the Vice-Chair.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

The primary focus of the Supply Chain Council under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is to fortify supply chains for essential sectors. This council, consisting of India and 13 other partner nations, aims to enhance supply chain resilience critical for national security, public health, and economic stability. By conducting targeted initiatives and fostering cooperation among member countries, the council works towards strengthening supply chains.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The "2 2" Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meetings between India and Japan indeed aim to deepen the dialogue and enhance cooperation between the two nations. This is a primary objective of the framework, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of strategic concerns and sensitivities.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect: While the "2 2" dialogue framework covers various strategic topics, it does not focus exclusively on economic partnerships and trade agreements. The discussions encompass a wide range of issues including defense cooperation, regional stability, and security strategies.

3. Statement 3 is correct: One of the primary focuses of the "2 2" meetings is the commitment to maintaining a free and rule-based Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of China's increasing military activities in the area.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

All three statements provided are correct based on the context given:

1. Statement 1 is correct. India’s Act East Policy was indeed announced at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, and it aims to boost commerce, connectivity, and capacity building, as well as enhance strategic and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The ASEAN Charter, which came into force in 2008, granted ASEAN formal legal status and established an institutional framework. It codified norms, rules, and values, thereby enhancing accountability and compliance among member states.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The new bridge constructed by China over Pangong Tso Lake indeed facilitates quicker access for Chinese troops and tanks to strategic locations on the southern banks, including Rezang La, where Indian forces had previously outmaneuvered Chinese troops.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Statement-I correctly highlights the recent event of India's External Affairs Minister visiting Vientiane, Laos, for the ASEAN meetings in 2024. However, Statement-II  inaccurately describes the establishment of ASEAN, as it was formed on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand 

Therefore correct answer - Option C

Statement-I correctly highlights the economic concerns arising from Sheikh Hasina's departure, impacting Bangladesh's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Statement-II accurately describes how the ongoing protests in Bangladesh are affecting the textile industry, leading to disruptions in export revenue and supply chain operations. The departure of Sheikh Hasina and the protests are interconnected factors contributing to economic challenges in Bangladesh. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II adequately explains the implications of Sheikh Hasina's departure on Bangladesh's economic landscape.

Statement-I correctly defines dual-use goods as items having both civilian and military applications. However, Statement-II is incorrect as it inaccurately associates dual-use goods' export controls solely with the Wassenaar Arrangement. While the Wassenaar Arrangement is indeed a multilateral export control regime, it is not the only framework governing dual-use goods. Other agreements such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australia Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, and various national legislations also play significant roles in regulating the export of dual-use technologies.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The resignation of Sheikh Hasina has indeed led to significant disruptions in Bangladesh's textile industry. This industry is crucial for the country's export revenue, contributing to 7.9% of the global clothing trade and employing over four million workers. The ongoing protests and unrest have caused supply chain breakdowns, affecting production schedules and the movement of consignments.

2. Statement 2 is correct: Due to the disruptions in Bangladesh's textile industry, international buyers are reconsidering their supply sources. If India captures a portion of the displaced orders, it could see an increase of USD 300-400 million in monthly business by redirecting 10-11% of Bangladesh's textile exports to Indian hubs like Tiruppur.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The political upheaval in Bangladesh could potentially impact the bilateral trade agreements under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. Sheikh Hasina's administration had provided duty-free access on most tariff lines under SAFTA, and her departure could jeopardize these trade benefits and affect the overall trade dynamics between the two countries.

Thus, the correct option is Option B.

The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meetings between India and Japan primarily focus on addressing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. These meetings aim to deepen dialogue, enhance cooperation, and strengthen the strategic alliance between the two countries in response to growing regional tensions, especially in counterbalancing China's assertiveness in the area. This diplomatic framework establishes a platform for both nations to discuss security strategies, defense collaborations, and joint initiatives to maintain a free and rule-based Indo-Pacific region.

1. Sheikh Hasina - Launched a campaign against religious radicalization in Bangladesh. - Correct. Sheikh Hasina, during her tenure, initiated a nationwide crackdown on terror camps and launched a campaign against religious radicalization.

2. Narendra Modi - Provided a USD 300 million credit line to Vietnam for military projects. - Correct. The Indian Prime Minister announced an agreement to provide a USD 300 million credit line to Vietnam to support military security and development projects.

3. Muhammad Yunus - Interim government leader of Bangladesh post-Hasina's ouster. - Correct. Muhammad Yunus is leading the interim government in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

4. Pham Minh Chinh - Signed the 2015 land boundary agreement with India. - Incorrect. The 2015 land boundary agreement between India and Bangladesh was signed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, not by Pham Minh Chinh. Pham Minh Chinh is the Prime Minister of Vietnam, involved in recent bilateral discussions with India.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, but pair 4 is incorrectly matched.

Answer: Option C: Only three pairs

1. ASEAN - Established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand: This is correctly matched. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was indeed established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand.

2. Act East Policy - Announced at the 8th East Asia Summit in 2013: This is incorrectly matched. The Act East Policy was announced at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, not the 8th East Asia Summit in 2013.

3. Pangong Tso Lake - Located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet in Ladakh: This is correctly matched. Pangong Tso is a high-altitude lake situated at an elevation of over 14,000 feet in the Ladakh region.

4. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN - Established in 2022: This is correctly matched. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN was indeed established in 2022.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched while pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Hence, the correct option is C: Only three pairs.

Let's analyze the statements:

1. Sheikh Hasina's removal from power in Bangladesh has led to her seeking refuge in India: This statement is correct. After the political upheaval in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina fled to India.

2. The Indian government has provided Sheikh Hasina with refuge while engaging with the new regime in Bangladesh: This statement is also correct. The Indian government under Narendra Modi has provided refuge to Sheikh Hasina and is simultaneously engaging with the new regime in Bangladesh.

3. The ousting of Sheikh Hasina is likely to strengthen Bangladesh's relations with Pakistan: This statement is incorrect. Although the text suggests that relations with Pakistan may see some improvement following her removal, it does not definitively state that it will strengthen the relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The situation is more complex and involves multiple factors.

Therefore, the correct set of statements is 1 and 2 only.

The correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only. This answer is justified as both statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate according to the provided content, while statement 3 is speculative and not definitively supported by the text.

The main goal of India's Act East Policy within the context of ASEAN meetings is to strengthen economic partnerships, boost commerce, connectivity, and capacity building, and foster strategic and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region. This policy aims to enhance cooperation and engagement with ASEAN countries in various economic sectors, emphasizing trade, investments, and overall economic development.

1. Veer Guardian – Correctly matched. It is indeed a multinational military exercise involving India and Japan.

2. UNICORN – Correctly matched. UNICORN is Japan's advanced radar system aimed at minimizing radar detectability of warships.

3. Clean Energy Partnership – Incorrectly matched. The Clean Energy Partnership is an initiative between India and Japan, not the United States.

4. 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting – Incorrectly matched. The 2+2 Meeting is a high-level meeting framework involving India and Japan, not India and Bangladesh.

Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.