UPSC Prelims 2016 Analysis

Explanation

The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is an intergovernmental organization located in Luxembourg City, which operates under public international law for all eurozone Member States having ratified a special ESM intergovernmental treaty.

It was established on 27 September 2012 as a permanent firewall for the eurozone, to safeguard and provide instant access to financial assistance programmes for member states of the eurozone in financial difficulty, with a maximum lending capacity of 500 billion.

Explanation

Neither of the statements are correct regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Statement 1 Incorrect. While China and Russia were not part of the TPP negotiations, it wasn't solely focused on Pacific Rim countries. Other economies like Vietnam and Singapore were part of the TPP despite not exactly being on the Pacific Rim.

Statement 2 Incorrect. The TPP was a proposed trade agreement, not a strategic alliance for maritime security. It aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic integration among member countries.

The TPP negotiations were concluded in 2015, but the agreement was never ratified by all the signatories. The United States withdrew from the TPP in 2017, effectively ending the initiative in its original form. However, some member countries pursued alternative trade agreements based on the TPP framework.

Explanation

Mdecins sans frontires (MSF), also known in English as Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organisation (NGO) of French origin best known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by endemic diseases.

Mdecins sans frontires was founded in 1971, in the aftermath of the Biafra secession, by a small group of French doctors and journalists who sought to expand access to medical care across national boundaries irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

Explanation

1. Kurd Bangladesh (Incorrect) Kurds are a Muslim ethnic group with a significant population in southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, and northern Syria. They are not a major community in Bangladesh.

2. Madhesi Nepal (Correct) Madhesis are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group inhabiting the Terai plains of southern Nepal. They are a politically and socially aware community that has sometimes advocated for greater rights and representation within Nepal.

3. Rohingya Myanmar (Correct) Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic group facing persecution in Myanmar. They are often mentioned in the news due to human rights concerns and the ongoing Rohingya genocide.

Explanation

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is most often mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of China.

China-Led Initiative BRI is a global development strategy spearheaded by the Chinese government. It aims to create a network of trade routes connecting China with other countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa through investments in infrastructure development.

Explanation

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, originally (and still colloquially) known as the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iran.

• Its member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

• The Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution.

Explanation

Statement 1 Incorrect. The OPCW is an independent intergovernmental organization, not affiliated with a specific region like the European Union. It cooperates with various organizations, including NATO and WHO, on matters related to chemical weapons, but it's not directly under their purview.

Statement 2 Correct. The OPCW plays a crucial role in monitoring the chemical industry to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons. This includes inspections of declared chemical facilities and verification of disarmament efforts.

Statement 3 Correct. The OPCW offers assistance and protection to member states (Parties) facing threats from chemical weapons. This can involve providing training, equipment, and expertise to help countries enhance their chemical security measures.

Explanation

The IndiaAfrica Forum Summit (IAFS) is the official platform for the African-Indian relations.

IAFS will be held once every three years. It was first held from April 4 to April 8, 2008, in New Delhi, India. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.

It was the first such meeting between the heads of state and government of India and 14 countries of Africa chosen by the African Union.

Explanation

The term Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) This is a regional organization of 10 Southeast Asian countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Partners RCEP is a free trade agreement between ASEAN and its existing FTA partners. These partners include Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Therefore, RCEP news is related t

Explanation

At the fourth BRICS Summit in New Delhi (2012), the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa considered the possibility of setting up a new Development Bank to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies, as well as in developing countries. So, statement 1 is incorrect.

The bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China. So, statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct The International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) serves as a vital forum for discussing global economic issues and providing guidance to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, and other high-level officials from member countries to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the global economy. They also advise the IMF on its policy direction and work program.

Statement 2 is Correct The World Bank, while a separate institution, collaborates closely with the IMF. While not a formal member of the IMFC, the World Bank typically participates as an observer in IMFC meetings. This allows for better coordination and exchange of information between the two institutions on matters of mutual interest, such as global economic stability and development.