UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on World Trade Organisation, H-1B visa program and more (Week 103)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), consider the following statements:

1. It was founded in 1995.

2. All decisions are taken through consensus.

3. Member countries are not allowed to exercise a veto.

4. Only 10 member countries of the WTO are involved in the Ministerial Conference at any time on a rotational basis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The World Trade Organization is the only international organization that deals with the rules of trade between countries.

— It was founded in 1995, the WTO is run by its 164 members, and according to its rules, all decisions are taken through consensus and any member can exercise a veto. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is not correct.

— It aims to promote free trade, which is done through trade agreements that are discussed and signed by the member states.

— The WTO also provides a forum for countries to negotiate trade rules and settle economic disputes.

— The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s top decision-making body and usually meets every two years.

— All members of the WTO are involved in the Ministerial Conference and they can make decisions on all matters covered under any multilateral trade agreements. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Consider the following statements about the International Solar Alliance:

1. The countries lying partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are eligible for the membership.

2. It was established in 2020 and France hosted the maiden summit of the International Solar Alliance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The International Solar Alliance is the first international treaty-based organisation that enables co-operation among sun-rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It was established following the Paris Declaration at the UN Climate Change Conference on November 30, 2015. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— India hosted the maiden summit of the International Solar Alliance while the co-host was France.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Which of the following Indian States does not share a border with Myanmar?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Manipur

(c) Mizoran

(d) Tripura

Explanation

— The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which grants armed forces operating in troubled areas broad powers and immunity from prosecution unless approved by the Centre, was extended for six months in Manipur on Sunday, with the exception of 13 police stations’ jurisdictions, due to the state of law and order there.

— According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the AFSPA, which is enforced in “disturbed” areas, has been extended for six months to eight districts in Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts in the state.

— The law was also extended to Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as three police station areas in Namsai district, for a six-month period commencing April 1.

— The border between India and Myanmar runs for 1,643 km in the four states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

— Tripura does not share a border with Myanmar.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Consider the following statements about H-1B visa program:

1. There is restricted capping in the total number of new H-1B visas provided every year.

2. In the fiscal year 2023, Mexicans accounted for more than half of the total H-1B approvals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The H-1B visa program allows American employers to hire non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations that require a high level of skills and at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Department of Labour.

— The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the US workforce by authorising the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorised to work in the United States.

— The US government has capped the total number of new H-1B visas at 65,000 each financial year. Another 20,000 visas can be given to those who have obtained a Master’s degree or higher from a US institution. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— H-1B workers employed at higher education institutions, non-profits or government research organisations are not covered by the cap.

— In the fiscal year 2023, Indians accounted for 72.3% (2.79 lakh) of the total (3.86 lakh) H-1B approvals, according to a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) report in March this year. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Which of the following countries/unions are members of the G20 grouping?

1. Indonesia

2. European Union

3. African Union

4. Brazil

5. Turkey

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2, 3 and 4

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 5

(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Explanation

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Joe Biden during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

— The G20 countries account for around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and almost two-thirds of the world’s population.

— The Group of Twenty (G20) consists of 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States) as well as two regional bodies: the European Union and the African Union (as of 2023).

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 103)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 103)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 103)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 103)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 103)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 102)

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