Q1. The principle known as ‘Most-Favoured-Nation’ or MFN, under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, essentially means that:
(a) Only one country can be designated as MFN by another nation as per its discretion, under which special favours such as lower customs duty rates can be granted to the MFN nation.
(b) Any number of nations can be granted the MFN status by another nation as per its discretion, under which special favours such as lower customs duty rates can be granted to the MFN nation.
(c) Countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners.
(d) ‘X’ nation with which ‘Y’ nation accounts for the largest share in value of the former’s foreign trade shall be granted special favours, in accordance with MFN norms, by the latter.
Ans:(c)
Explanation:
What is the Most Favoured Nation (MFN)?
- It is a principle in international trade and diplomacy that promotes equal treatment among trading partners. When a country grants MFN status to another, it agrees to extend the same trade privileges and favourable terms to that partner as it does to its most favoured trading partner.
- Explanation:
- For example, if Country A gives Country B MFN status, it must offer the same trade benefits to Country B as it does to its best trading partner, Country C. This ensures fairness and non-discrimination in international trade.
- Legal Status of MFN:
- Article 1 of GATT 1994 mandates WTO member countries to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to each other, ensuring equal trade treatment. There can be exceptions, like bilateral trade agreements and special access for developing nations.
- For instance, India initially granted MFN status to all WTO members, including Pakistan. However, India suspended Pakistan’s MFN status in 2019 due to security concerns, and Pakistan never reciprocated MFN status for India.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- Statement 1: Recently UNESCO has added two Indian cities, Gwalior and Kozhikode, to its Creative Cities Network.
- Statement 2: Kozhikode was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct
(d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: Kozhikode, a city in Kerala, and Gwalior, a city in Madhya Pradesh, have been included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
- These cities were chosen to represent specific creative fields, with Kozhikode falling under the category of literature and Gwalior under music.
- Indian cities that are part of this network include Varanasi (music), Srinagar (crafts and folk arts), Hyderabad(Gastronomy), Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts) and Chennai (music).
About Kozhikode:
- It has a rich literary tradition and is known for producing prominent writers and cultural figures. The city has a history of significant literary contributions, with the first Malayalam novel, Kundalatha, being authored there in 1887
Q3. ‘Bletchley Declaration’ was in news recently, is associated with the:
(a) Artificial intelligence
(b) Mitigating Water Pollution
(c) Disaster Mitigation
(d) Deep Space Network
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Context: Bletchley Park, the historic site known for its crucial role in World War II, is hosting the world’s first global summit on artificial intelligence (AI) safety in 2023.
- Britain, along with 28 other countries and the European Union, published the “Bletchley Declaration” at Bletchley Park, England.
- The focus of the Bletchley Declaration:
- This declaration aims to enhance global collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) safety. It has a two-fold focus: identifying shared AI-related risks and enhancing scientific understanding of these risks, as well as creating cross-country policies to address them.
Q4. What is the Minamata Convention?
(a) A treaty focused on maritime security and preventing piracy in international waters.
(b) A global agreement to address the health and environmental effects of mercury pollution.
(c) A convention that aims to regulate international trade in endangered species.
(d) An international accord to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty that aims to address the health and environmental effects of mercury pollution. It is named after the city of Minamata, Japan, where severe mercury poisoning occurred in the mid-20th century.
Q5. What do you know about the Sinai Peninsula?
(a) The Sinai Peninsula is part of South America and is bordered by the Amazon River to the south.
(b) It is primarily a desert region located in northeastern Africa, and it is separated from the rest of Egypt by the Suez Canal.
(c) The Sinai Peninsula is known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, making it a popular ecotourism destination.
(d) It is a separate independent country with no political or territorial connections to any neighboring nations.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:’
- The Sinai Peninsula is a desert region located in northeastern Africa, and it is part of Egypt. It is separated from the rest of Egypt by the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
