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

- Statement 1 is correct. India has indeed been classified into the 'regular follow-up' category by the FATF along with countries like Russia, France, Italy, and the UK.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The 'regular follow-up' category is actually the top category among the four defined by the FATF, not the lowest.

- Statement 3 is correct. India is required to submit a progress report on recommended actions by October 2027 under the FATF's 'regular follow-up' category.

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

The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, was negotiated to enhance the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions. Let's analyze each statement:

Statement 1: Correct. One of the key objectives of the High Seas Treaty is the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems, which includes the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Statement 2: Correct. The treaty mandates conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for any activities that may pose a risk to the marine environment. This is a critical measure to ensure the protection of marine biodiversity.

Statement 3: Incorrect. The High Seas Treaty was negotiated within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), not the International Maritime Organization (IMO). While IMO deals with maritime safety and pollution, UNCLOS provides the broader legal framework for ocean governance, including issues addressed by the High Seas Treaty.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

Statement-I correctly presents the historical fact that China invaded Tibet in 1950 without the awareness of most Tibetans. This invasion is a well-documented event in history.
Statement-II accurately reflects India's position on Tibet, acknowledging it as part of China while also supporting Tibetan exiles and the Dalai Lama. This stance is consistent with India's diplomatic approach regarding Tibet and China.
While both statements are factually correct, they address separate aspects of the Tibet-China dispute and do not necessarily explain each other. Statement-I focuses on the historical event of China's invasion of Tibet, whereas Statement-II discusses India's stance on the issue, emphasizing support for Tibetan exiles despite recognizing Tibet as part of China.

Statement-I correctly states that India has been classified into the 'regular follow-up' category by FATF, joining Russia, France, Italy, and the UK. This is accurate as per the information provided in the context. However, Statement-II is incorrect as India has not been designated as a member of the 'black list' category by the FATF, making option (c) the correct answer.

Statement 1: Correct. President Vladimir Putin conferred Russia's highest civilian honour, the "Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle," on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The new bilateral trade target set at the summit was USD 100 billion by 2030, not USD 50 billion. This target reflects India's increased imports of Russian crude at a discount after the US and Europe imposed oil sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Statement 3: Correct. The Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor is indeed a proposed sea link between ports on the east coast of India and ports in the far-east region of Russia, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade between the two countries.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C

1. Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle: Correctly matched. This is indeed a civilian honor conferred by Russia. It was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698 and reinstated in 1998.

2. Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor: Correctly matched. This sea link between ports on the east coast of India and the far-east region of Russia was proposed in 2019.

3. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Correctly matched. This multi-modal transportation route was established in 2000 in St. Petersburg by Iran, Russia, and India.

4. Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS): Incorrectly matched. RATS is not established by BRICS. It is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) focusing on security and defense issues.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is not.

The primary objective of the Simla Agreement signed in 1972 between India and Pakistan was to resolve all issues through peaceful means and bilateral negotiations. This agreement aimed to foster improved relations between the two countries, specifically highlighting the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than through military confrontation.

The primary focus of the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit regarding economic cooperation was setting a new bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030, which was significantly higher than the previous target. This target aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and foster increased trade relations.

1. Prime Minister of India during Simla Agreement - Indira Gandhi - Correct. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India when the Simla Agreement was signed in July 1972.

2. President of Pakistan during Simla Agreement - Zulfikar Ali Bhutto - Correct. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the President of Pakistan at the time of the Simla Agreement.

3. Year of Simla Agreement - 1971 - Incorrect. The Simla Agreement was signed in 1972, not 1971.

4. Outcome of 1971 Indo-Pakistani War - Creation of Bangladesh - Correct. The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War led to the independence of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Simla Agreement indeed emphasized resolving all issues between India and Pakistan through peaceful means and bilateral negotiations. This was a central tenet of the agreement, aiming to ensure that future disputes would not escalate into armed conflict.

2. Statement 2 is correct: The agreement did result in the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, which replaced the previous ceasefire line. This was a significant outcome of the agreement and has remained a critical aspect of India-Pakistan relations and the Kashmir issue.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Simla Agreement did not address or mandate any stipulations regarding nuclear tests. The focus was primarily on conflict resolution, the status of Kashmir, and the withdrawal of forces, among other diplomatic and bilateral relations issues. Nuclear testing was not covered under this agreement and became a significant issue in Indo-Pak relations much later, particularly after both countries conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I suggests that the High Seas Treaty aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits of marine resources among all countries. However, this is not the primary objective of the treaty. The main focus of the High Seas Treaty is on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. On the other hand, Statement-II correctly highlights one of the key objectives of the treaty, which is the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for conservation purposes. This statement aligns with the actual goals and provisions of the High Seas Treaty, making Statement-II correct.

The main goal of the High Seas Treaty is to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits of marine resources among all countries. This involves promoting conservation, reducing pollution, and facilitating sustainable use of biodiversity and marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty emphasizes the importance of sharing benefits to ensure equal distribution and cooperation among nations for the protection of high seas biodiversity.

India being classified into the 'regular follow-up' category by the FATF based on the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) indicates that India has achieved a high level of technical compliance with the FATF standards. This classification requires India to submit progress reports on recommended actions but reflects positively on India's efforts in combating Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF), and proliferation financing.

1. India is classified in the 'regular follow-up' category by FATF. This is correct. India has indeed been placed in the 'regular follow-up' category by FATF.

2. The 'regular follow-up' category requires a progress report by October 2027. This is correct. Under the 'regular follow-up' category, India is required to submit a progress report on recommended actions by October 2027.

3. India’s transition to a digital economy facilitated by JAM Trinity has mitigated ML/TF risks. This is correct. The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has indeed helped mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing.

4. The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is in Bangladesh. This is incorrect. GIFT City is located in Gujarat, India, not in Bangladesh.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Convention on Continental Shelf, 1964: Correctly matched. It defines and delimits States' rights to explore and exploit natural resources on the continental shelf.

2. Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas, 1966: Incorrectly matched. This convention addresses conservation issues related to living resources of the high seas to prevent overexploitation, not marine pollution control.

3. London Convention 1972: Incorrectly matched. The London Convention promotes effective control of marine pollution, particularly through regulations on waste dumping, not pollution caused by ships.

4. MARPOL Convention (1973): Incorrectly matched. MARPOL covers various forms of marine pollution caused by ships, including oil spills and waste disposal, not conservation issues related to living resources of the high seas.

Thus, only the first pair is correctly matched.