Answer: b

The I2U2 Group is a grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The group’s first joint statement, released on July 14, 2022, states that the countries aim to cooperate on “joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.”

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States held their first joint meeting virtually in October 2021. At the time, the grouping of the four countries was compared to the Quad.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The I2U2 is a regional forum focused on economic cooperation, distinguishing it from other forums like the Quad, Negev Forum, and AUKUS.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: d

Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB), a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), launched a programme in Saint Lucia on 14th December, 2023. India has been chosen as the Partner Administration and will provide Tax Experts for this programme.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: b

The Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) is an informal group aimed at boosting economic and diplomatic ties with Pacific-island nations. The group consists of the United States and its allies. The PBP was announced on 24 June 2022 by the United States White House after consultations with Pacific Heads of Mission and other partners, including France, as well as the European Union. PBP has five member states. They are –

• Australia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United State

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: b

The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was launched during Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi’s visit to Fiji in November 2014.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

FIPIC includes 14 of the island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The main objectives of the business accelerator are:

• Provide necessary information and facilitation to businessmen on both sides regarding prospects of Trade and Investment.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

• Facilitate meetings between the concerned businessmen from both sides.
• Exchange of business delegations between India and Pacific Islands Countries (PICs).
• Online & Offline Match Making Services.
• Organising Events/ Trade Fairs.

First FIPIC summit was held in Suva, Fiji in 2014 and the second one was held in Jaipur, India in 2015.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: d

In 2003, India officially accepted a Nuclear Doctrine based on “No First Use” policy. Certain key features of this are:

• Nuclear weapons will only be kept as a credible minimum deterrence against nuclear attacks.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

• No First Use policy would be followed and India would use nuclear attack only as retaliation against a nuclear attack on India or on Indian forces anywhere.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

• India would not launch a nuclear weapon attack against any non-nuclear state. However, in the event of a major attack on India or on Indian forces anywhere by chemical or biological weapon, India will have the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

• The retaliatory 2nd strike to a first nuclear attack would be massive and would inflict unacceptable damage on opponent

• Presently India follows the 2003 Nuclear Doctrine. India’s policy is based on nuclear deterrence and 2nd strike ability plays a vital role in deterrent policy.

• The Nuclear Command Authority of India is the authority responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding India’s nuclear weapons programme. It comprises a Political Council headed by the Prime Minister of India and an Executive Council headed by the National Security Advisor.

Hence, option (d) is incorrect.

Answer: d

To help deliver the vision of One Sun One World One Grid, we have resolved to combine

our efforts and create a more inter-connected global grid. Our next step is to develop an

action agenda for global cooperation on this agenda. Through working groups of

interested governments, regulators, financiers, institutions, companies, legislators and

researchers, we will seek to provide a common global framework for efforts on:

1. Investing in solar, wind, storage and other renewable energy generation in locations endowed with renewable resources for supporting a global grid.
2. Building long-distance cross-border transmission lines to connect renewable energy generators and demand centres across continents, underpinned by effective and mutually beneficial cross-border power trading arrangements.
3. Developing and deploying cutting edge techniques and technologies to modernise power systems and support green grids which can integrate billions of rooftop solar panels, wind turbines and storage systems.
4. Supporting the global transition to zero emission vehicles through incorporating the role of electric vehicles to help improve grid flexibility.
5. Attracting investment into solar mini-grids and off-grid systems to help vulnerable communities gain access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy without grid-access in their own areas, enhancing socio-economic development and a resilient power supply for all.
6. Developing innovative financial instruments, market structures, and facilitate financial and technical assistance to attract low-cost capital, including climate finance, for global solar grid infrastructure.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: c

The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is an intergovernmental organisation that links African Indian Ocean nations: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (an overseas region of France), and Seychelles.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

There are also seven observers: China, the European Union, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the Sovereign Order of Malta, India, Japan and the United Nations.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Council of Ministers (composed of the foreign ministers of the member countries) provides the strategic and political direction of the IOC. It is the supreme decision-making body of the organisation. The chairmanship of the IOC Council of Ministers is annual and rotating (in alphabetical order of member countries).

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: a

As part of military-to-military exchange programs, a contingent of Indian Special Forces troops are currently engaged in a bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces at Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang, Indonesia. Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI-23 is the eighth edition of the series of bilateral exercises under this banner.

Blue Flag is an international military aviation exercise held by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). It first took place in November 2013 at Ovda Airbase in Israel. The exercise, which included the participation of several foreign Air Forces, is aimed at expanding international cooperation. In 2017 the exercise hosted air forces from the United States of America, Poland, Italy and Greece – and for the first time India, France and Germany participated as well.

The 4th edition of joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK’ between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army commenced today in Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand).

Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is an annual bilateral naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

India and Bangladesh commenced the 11th edition of annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI on 03rd October 2023 in Umroi, Meghalaya. This exercise, alternatingly organised by both countries, signifies strong bilateral defence cooperation initiatives.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: b

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative (IORI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), is an international organization. The Association comprises 23 Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners, the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation and the Indian Ocean Research Group have observer status.

Australia                                   Bangladesh                               Comoros

France                                                 India                                         Indonesia

Iran                                           Kenya                                                  Madagascar

Malaysia                                    Maldives                                    Mauritius

Mozambique                                       Oman                                        Seychelles

Singapore                                  Somalia                                     South Africa

Sri Lanka                                  Tanzania                                   Thailand

United Arab Emirates                         Yemen

Japan and Egypt are the dialogue partners of IORA.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: b

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative launched by the United States in May 2022.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

IPEF has 14 partner countries including Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam & USA. It seeks to strengthen economic engagement among partner countries with the goal of advancing growth, peace and prosperity in the region.

The framework is structured around four pillars relating to Trade (Pillar I); Supply Chains (Pillar II); Clean Economy (Pillar III); and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). India had joined Pillars II to IV of IPEF while it has an observer status in Pillar-I i.e., Trade.

Hence, statement 2 is correct but statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: a

• The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are employed by the World Organization to maintain or re-establish peace in an area of armed conflict.
• Decisions about the establishment, maintenance or expansion of peacekeeping operations are taken by the Security Council.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

• Peacekeeping expenses are divided by the General Assembly based upon a formula established by Member States which takes into account the relative economic wealth of Member States among other things.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

• India today is the largest contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs).

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

• More than 200,000 Indian troops have served in 49 of the 71 UNPKOs deployed so far
• India is the second largest troop contributor [TCC] with 7,676 personnel deployed in 10 out of 16 active UN Peacekeeping Missions.

Answer: c

The Arab League is a regional organization in the Arab world. The Arab League was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945, initially with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Yemen joined as a member on 5 May 1945. Currently, the League has 22 members.

The League’s main goal is to “draw closer the relations between member states and co-ordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries”. The organization has received a relatively low level of cooperation throughout its history.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Through institutions, notably the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Economic and Social Council of its Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU), the League facilitates political, economic, cultural, scientific, and social programmes designed to promote the interests of the Arab world.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It has served as a forum for the member states to coordinate policy, arrange studies of and committees as to matters of common concern, settle inter-state disputes and limit conflicts such as the 1958 Lebanon crisis. The League has served as a platform for the drafting and conclusion of many landmark documents promoting economic integration. One example is the Joint Arab Economic Action Charter, which outlines the principles for economic activities in the region.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Answer: a

Uniting for Consensus (UfC), nicknamed the Coffee Club, is a movement that developed in the 1990s in opposition to the possible expansion of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Under the leadership of Italy, it aims to counter the bids for permanent seats proposed by G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) and is calling for a consensus before any decision is reached on the form and size of the United Nation Security Council.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: d

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world. The Council has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis. The headquarters of the Council are at the United Nations Office at Geneva in Switzerland.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year, in March, June, and September. The UNHRC can decide at any time to hold a special session to address human rights violations and emergencies, at the request of one-third of the member states. As of November 2023, there have been 36 special sessions.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer: b

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free trade agreement among the Asia-Pacific nations of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. RCEP is the first free trade agreement among the largest economies in Asia, including China, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It also touches on intellectual property, but will not cover environmental protections and labour rights.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: c

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is an organization enabling the co-operation of leading oil-producing countries in order to collectively influence the global oil market and maximize profit. It was founded on 14 September 1960 in Baghdad by the first five members (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela). The organization, which currently comprises 12 member countries, accounted for an estimated 30 percent of global oil production. A 2022 report further details that OPEC member countries were responsible for approximately 38 percent of it. Additionally, it is estimated that 79.5 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves are located within OPEC nations, with the Middle East alone accounting for 67.2 percent of OPEC’s total reserves.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: b

The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is an economic union of five post-Soviet states located in Eurasia. The EAEU has an integrated single market. As of 2023, it consists of 183 million people and a gross domestic product of over $2.4 trillion.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union was signed on 29 May 2014 by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, and came into force on 1 January 2015. Treaties aiming for Armenia’s and Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union were signed on 9 October and 23 December 2014, respectively. Armenia’s accession treaty came into force on 2 January 2015. Kyrgyzstan’s accession treaty came into effect on 6 August 2015. Kyrgyzstan participated in the EAEU from the day of its establishment as an acceding state.

The EAEU encourages the free movement of goods and services, and provides for common policies in the macroeconomic sphere, transport, industry and agriculture, energy, foreign trade and investment, customs, technical regulation, competition, and antitrust regulation.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Provisions for a single currency and greater integration are envisioned for the future. The union operates through supranational and intergovernmental institutions. The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council is the supreme body of the Union, consisting of the Heads of the Member States. The second level of intergovernmental institutions is represented by the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (consisting of the Heads of the governments of member states). The day-to-day work of the EAEU is done through the Eurasian Economic Commission, the executive body of the Union. There is also a judicial body – the Court of the EAEU.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: b

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is a multilateral development finance institution headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, since September 2014.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

The AfDB is a financial provider to African governments and private companies investing in the regional member countries (RMC).

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The AfDB was founded in 1964 by the Organisation of African Unity, which is the predecessor of the African Union.

The AfDB comprises three entities: The African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: a

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialised agency of the United Nations.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

It works to address poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

It is the only multilateral development organization that focuses solely on rural economies and food security.

Hence, statement 3 is correct

Answer: c

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) is a bilateral assistance programme run by the Government of India.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is a demand-driven, response-oriented programme that focuses on addressing the needs of developing countries through innovative technological cooperation between India and the partnering nation. Along with its corollary the Special Commonwealth Assistance for Africa Programme, ITEC covers 158 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and several Pacific and Caribbean nations. Since its inception, the programme has spent over US$ 2 billion and benefited thousands of students and professionals from around the globe and annual expenditure on the programme has averaged US$ 100 million per annum in recent years.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Assistance under ITEC covers the six areas of training for civil and defence personnel, projects and project related activities such as consultancy services, study tours, donation of equipment, deputation of Indian experts in the partner nation and aid for disaster relief.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: c

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic and social fields of the organization, specifically in regards to the fifteen specialized agencies, the eight functional commissions, and the five regional commissions under its jurisdiction.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states and the United Nations System.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: b

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966, which is headquartered in 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila 1550, Philippines.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect but statement 2 is correct.

The bank also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social and economic development in Asia. The bank admits the members of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP, formerly the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East or ECAFE), and non-regional developed countries. Starting with 31 members at its establishment, ADB now has 68 members.

The ADB was modeled closely on the World Bank and has a similar weighted voting system, where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions. ADB releases an annual report that summarizes its operations, budget, and other materials for review by the public. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) enrolls about 300 students annually in academic institutions located in 10 countries within the Region. After completing their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries. ADB holds the status of an official United Nations Observer.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: a

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide.

The WHO was established on April 7, 1948, and convened its first meeting on July 24 of that year. It incorporated the assets, personnel, and duties of the League of Nations’ Health Organization and the Paris-based Office International d’Hygiène Publique, including the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The agency’s work began in earnest in 1951 after a significant infusion of financial and technical resources.

Hence, statement 1 is correct but statement 3 is incorrect.

The WHO’s official mandate is to promote health and safety while helping the vulnerable worldwide. It provides technical assistance to countries, sets international health standards, collects data on global health issues, and serves as a forum for scientific or policy discussions related to health. Its official publication, the World Health Report, provides assessments of worldwide health topics.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: b

The Ashgabat Agreement is a multimodal transport agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, India, Pakistan, and Oman for creating an international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. The agreement came into force in April 2016. Ashgabat in Turkmenistan is the depository state for the agreement.

Hence, statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrect.

The agreement was originally signed by Iran, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on April 25, 2011. Qatar subsequently withdrew from the agreement in 2013, the same year Kazakhstan applied for membership, which was eventually approved in 2015. Pakistan has also joined the Agreement from November 2016. India formally joined in February 2018.

The objective of this agreement is to enhance connectivity within Eurasian region and synchronize it with other transport corridors within that region including the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: b

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is an inter-governmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Following the success of ASEAN’s series of post-ministerial conferences launched in the mid-1980s, APEC started in 1989, in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional trade blocs in other parts of the world; it aimed to establish new markets for agricultural products and raw materials beyond Europe.

Hence, statement 2 and statement 3 both are correct.

Headquartered in Singapore, APEC is recognized as one of the highest-level multilateral blocs and oldest forums in the Asia-Pacific region, and exerts significant global influence.

The heads of government of all APEC members except Taiwan (which is represented by a ministerial-level official as economic leader) attend an annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Answer: a

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development. The UNDP emphasizes on developing local capacity towards long-term self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Based at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, it is the largest UN development aid agency, with offices in 177 countries. The UNDP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

The UNDP was founded on 22 November 1965 with the merging of the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund in 1958.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Answer: a

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) was established in April 1987 by the G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

The MTCR seeks to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by controlling exports of goods and technologies that could make a contribution to delivery systems (other than manned aircraft) for such weapons.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations on partners (members). Rather, it is an informal political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Answer: c

Preferential Trade Agreement

In this type of agreement, two or more partners give preferential right of entry to certain products. This is done by reducing duties on an agreed number of tariff lines. Here a positive list is maintained i.e. the list of the products on which the two partners have agreed to provide preferential access. Tariff may even be reduced to zero for some products even in a PTA. India signed a PTA with Afghanistan.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Partnership agreement or cooperation agreement are more comprehensive than an FTA. CECA/CEPA also looks into the regulatory aspect of trade and encompasses and agreement covering the regulatory issues. CECA has the widest coverage. CEPA covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership. It may even consider negotiation on areas such as trade facilitation and customs cooperation, competition, and IPR.

India has signed CEPAs with South Korea and Japan.

Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement: CECA generally covers negotiation on trade tariff and TQR rates only. It is not as comprehensive as CEPA. India has signed CECA with Malaysia.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

An Early Harvest Scheme (EHS) is a precursor to an FTA/CECA/CEPA between two trading partners. For example early harvest scheme of RCEP has been rolled out. At this stage, the negotiating countries identify certain products for tariff liberalization pending the conclusion of actual FTA negotiations. An Early Harvest Scheme is thus a step towards enhanced engagement and confidence building.

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: d

Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an open-source web application to monitor global forests in near real-time. GFW is an initiative of the World Resources Institute (WRI), with partners including Google, USAID, the University of Maryland (UMD), Esri, Vizzuality and many other academic, non-profit, public, and private organizations.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: a

The Australia Group is a multilateral export control regime (MECR) and an informal group of countries (now joined by the European Commission) established in 1985 (after the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984) to help member countries to identify those exports which need to be controlled so as not to contribute to the spread of chemical and biological weapons.

Hence, statement 1 and statement 2 both are correct.

India became the 43rd member of the Australia Group (AG) on January 19, 2018.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Answer Justification :

We can not comment on the way the exercise was planned because the passage is lacking in details.  Hence A and B are wrong. C is correct but is not the most rational explanation. D is correct as the  vision was good but maybe the planning was not.

Solution: b

Justification:

Since all the mixtures are of equal quantity, we have to find the LCM of (1+2), (2+3) and (3+4).

LCM of 3, 5 and 7 = 105.

Let the quantity of each mixture be 105x litres.

Quantities of milk and water in the first mixture are (1/3 of 105x litres = 35x litres) and (2/3 of 105x litres = 70x litres) respectively.

Quantities of milk and water in the second mixture are (2/5 of 105x litres = 42x litres) and (2/3 of 105x litres = 63x litres) respectively.

Quantities of milk and water in the third mixture are (3/7 of 105x litres = 45x litres) and (4/7 of 105x litres = 60x litres) respectively.

The ratio of milk and water in the mixture = (35x+42x+45x) : (70x+63x+60x)

= 122x : 193x

= 122 : 193

Correct Answer: D) N+ 5

The average score of student in 3 tests is N points. Hence the total score = 3N points.

Given the score in fourth test = N + 20, the average score of student in four tests will be

= (3N +N+20)/4 = N+5

Correct Answer : B) 4

P(1+20/100)ⁿ > 2P = (6/5)ⁿ > 2

Now, (6/5*6/5*6/5*6/5) > 2

So, N = 4 years.

Option D) 16√2 km

Solution: