Major Treaties & Agreements — Set 12
International Relations · प्रमुख संधियां और समझौते · Questions 111–120 of 120
The Simla Agreement 1972 also committed both nations to restore:
Correct Answer: B. Diplomatic relations and trade links
The Simla Agreement committed India and Pakistan to restoring communications, promote trade and cultural exchanges, and re-establish diplomatic relations that had been suspended during the 1971 war. Both sides agreed to work towards the normalization of relations. The spirit of the agreement envisioned a gradual movement toward normalization, though progress has been repeatedly interrupted by terrorism and political tensions.
Which WTO round of negotiations aimed at reducing agricultural subsidies in developed countries and protecting developing country interests?
Correct Answer: B. Doha Development Round
The Doha Development Round (also called the Doha Development Agenda), launched in 2001, aimed at reducing agricultural subsidies in developed countries and increasing market access for developing nations. India has been a strong advocate for developing country interests in the Doha Round, particularly on agricultural subsidies and food security. The Doha Round has been effectively stalled since 2008 due to disagreements between developed and developing nations.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is reviewed every how many years?
Correct Answer: B. 5 years
The NPT has a review cycle of five years, with Review Conferences held every five years to examine the implementation of the treaty's provisions. The most recent Review Conference was held in 2022 (delayed from 2020 due to COVID-19), but it failed to reach consensus on a final document. India, though not a party to the NPT, has participated in some NPT-related discussions as part of its engagement with the global non-proliferation regime.
COP28 (2023) held in Dubai resulted in agreement to transition away from which energy source for the first time in UN climate negotiations?
Correct Answer: D. Fossil fuels broadly
COP28 held in Dubai, UAE, in November-December 2023, resulted in the 'UAE Consensus' that for the first time referenced transitioning away from fossil fuels (including coal, oil, and gas) in energy systems in this decade to achieve net zero. This was historic as previous agreements only mentioned coal. India supported the final text while emphasizing the need for adequate finance and technology transfer to support developing nations in the energy transition.
The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down:
Correct Answer: B. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, adds hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of controlled substances to be phased down. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances in refrigerants and air conditioning. India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021, committing to reduce HFC consumption by 85% by 2047.
Civil nuclear agreements with France, Russia, UK, Australia, and Japan after 2008 became possible for India because of:
Correct Answer: C. NSG waiver granted in 2008
The NSG waiver granted in September 2008 enabled India to conclude civil nuclear cooperation agreements with multiple countries including France (2008), Russia (2008), UK (2008), Canada, South Korea, Australia, and Japan (2014). These agreements allow transfer of nuclear fuel, equipment, and technology for civilian nuclear power generation. Without the NSG waiver, NSG member states would have been prohibited under their domestic laws from engaging in nuclear commerce with non-NPT India.
India ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2021
India ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2021, committing to reduce HFC consumption by 85% by 2047 from the 2024-2026 baseline. The Kigali Amendment was adopted in October 2016 to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. India's ratification was significant given its rapidly growing demand for cooling technologies.
The Wassenaar Arrangement controls exports of which category of items?
Correct Answer: C. Conventional arms and dual-use technologies
The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies controls the export of conventional weapons and dual-use technologies that could have both civilian and military applications. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in December 2017, becoming its 42nd member. India's membership strengthened its credentials as a responsible technology recipient and supplier state.
The 2013 WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali gave India a 'peace clause' protecting its right to:
Correct Answer: B. Procure food at MSP for public distribution without WTO challenge
At the 2013 WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali, India secured a 'peace clause' protecting developing countries' right to procure food at government-set prices for public distribution without being challenged under WTO subsidy rules. India had held up the broader Trade Facilitation Agreement until it got assurances on food security. A permanent solution to the public stockholding issue has been a persistent Indian demand at subsequent WTO Ministerial Conferences.
The India-UAE CEPA and India-Australia ECTA both signed in 2022 were part of India's renewed push for:
Correct Answer: B. Bilateral free trade agreements with major economies
The India-UAE CEPA (February 2022) and India-Australia ECTA (April 2022) represented India's renewed push for bilateral free trade agreements after a decade-long pause following stalled negotiations. Both deals demonstrated India's pragmatic approach to trade liberalization, targeting specific high-potential partners rather than comprehensive multilateral frameworks. India is also negotiating trade agreements with the UK, EU, Canada, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries as part of this strategy.