International Organizations (External Sector) Part-II

Total Questions: 50

31. 'European Stability Mechanism', sometimes seen in the news, is an: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (b) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries.
Solution:The 'European Stability Mechanism' (ESM) was set up in 2012 as a successor of the 'European Financial Stability Facility'to help eurozone countries in severe financial distress. It provides financial assistance to eurozone countries. It is a permanent agency located in Luxembourg.

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. The EU was established by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993. The main goal of the EU is to promote cooperation and integration among its member states in order to enhance economic and political stability in Europe.

The EU has its own currency, the Euro, which is used by 19 of the member states. It has a single market where goods, services, and capital can move freely.
There are 4 main decision-making institutions that lead the EU's administration.

  • European Council: The European Council is made up of the heads of state or governments of the EU member states. It sets the EU's overall political direction.
  • European Commission: The European Commission is the executive branch of the EU.
  • European Parliament: The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU.
  • Council of the EU: It is the main decision-making body of the EU. It represents the interests of member states and is responsible for adopting legislation and coordinating policies.

32. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2023]

The 'Stability and Growth Pact' of the European Union is a treaty that:

1. limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union

2. makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities

3. enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies

How many of the above statements are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) Only one
Solution:Described as the Eurozone's fiscal rulebook, the 'Stability and Growth Pact (SGP)' is a set of fiscal rules designed to prevent EU countries from spending beyond their means. Since 1997, member States have agreed that they should T.S. (Pre) 1997 keep GDP ratios of deficit and debt below 3% and 60% respectively.

Countries that break the rules for three consecutive years are fined a maximum of 0.5% of their GDP These guidelines are intended to ensure sound management of public finances, in order to prevent one Member State's irresponsible budgetary policies from spilling over and undermining the economic stability of the entire euro area.

The SGP does not make or enable the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities or technologies. Hence, only statement 1 is correct and option (a) is the correct answer.

33. The term 'Digital Single Market Strategy' seen in the news, refers to: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]

Correct Answer: (c) EU
Solution:The 'Digital Single Market Strategy' is a policy belonging to the European Single Market that covers digital marketing, E-commerce and telecommunications. It was announced in May, 2015 by the Juncker Commission. It was part of the 'Digital Agenda for Europe 2020' program of EU, an initiative of Europe 2020 proposed strategy. It is defined by 'A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe' by the European Commission.

The three said 'pillars' of this strategy include:

• Access to online products and services.

• Conditions for digital networks and services to grow and thrive.

• Growth of the European digital economy.

34. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2023]

Statement-I : Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Technology Council'.

Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Solution:European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Joe Biden launched the EU-US Trade and Technology Council' at the EU-US Summit in Brussels on June 15, 2021.

The EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) serves as a forum for the United States and the European Union to coordinate approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues and to deepen transatlantic trade and economic relations based on these shared values. This partnership aims to:

• Ensure that trade and technology serve their societies and economies, while upholding their common values and interests

• Strengthen their technological and industrial leadership

• Expand bilateral trade and investment

• Defend democracy, human rights and values

Hence, Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

35. Consider the following infrastructure sectors: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2023]

1. Affordable housing

2. Mass rapid transport

3. Health care

4. Renewable energy

On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

Correct Answer: (c) Only three
Solution:In March, 2020, Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) was formally established as a stand- alone business unit in the UNOPS governance structure, making UNOPS the first United Nations organization able to make direct investments from its own balance sheet.

UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) is dedicated to making the SDGs a reality by investing with meaningful and measurable impact in affordable housing, renewable energy and health, and boosting innovation. Three focus areas of UNOPS S3i initiative for its investments are: (a) affordable housing; (b) renewable energy; and (c) health infrastructure.

36. The FAO secords the state of balty Agricultural Heritage System (GLAHS)' to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this Initiative? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]

1. To provide modern technology, training in modern

farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAIS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity

2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:"Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was started by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2002 to mitigate threats faced by these systems and their people and enhance the benefits derived from these dynamic systems.

GIAHS are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage. The objective of GIAHS initiative is to identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.

37. The 100th ILO Annual Conference has decided to protect the interest of: [U.P.U.D.A/L.D.A. (Mains) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Domestic workers
Solution:The 100th session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) was held from 1-17 June, 2011. The 100th session of ILO on 16 June, 2011 adopted a historic set of international standards aimed at improving the working conditions of tens of millions of domestic workers worldwide.

ILO was created in 1919 under the League of Nations, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. It became specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. The headquarters of ILO is in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2019, the ILO celebrated its 100th anniversary.

38. International Labour Organization's Conventions 138 and 182 are related to: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]

Correct Answer: (a) Child labour
Solution:In March 2017, the Union Cabinet of India has given its approval for ratification of the two fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) namely, "Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)' concerning minimum age for admission to employment, and the 'Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182) concerning the prohibition and immediate action for elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

In June, 2017, the Government of India deposited with ILO the instruments of ratification of these two fundamental ILO conventions concerning the elimination of child labour. India is a founder member of the ILO, which came into existence in 1919.

39. Assertion (A): The United States of America has threat- ened to ask the World Trade Organization (WTO) to apply sanctions against the developing countries for the non-observance of ILO conventions. [I.A.S. (Pre) 1998]

Reason (R): The United States of America itself has adopted and implemented those ILO conventions.

Correct Answer: (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false
Solution:The United States of America keeps pressure on developing countries regarding labour standards. While the America itself is unconcerned with the implementation of labour standards. Hence, assertion is true, while reason is wrong.

About International Labour Organization (ILO);

  • It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to improving labourconditions and living standards throughout the world.

History:

  • It was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice.
  • In 1946, the ILO became a specialized agency of the newly formed UN.
  • HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • It is also a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDP), a coalition of UN organization aimed at helping meet
    the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Members: The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
  • Structure: It is the only tripartite U.N. agency, that brings together governments, employers and workers' representatives of 187-member states.

40. World Social Protection Report is published by: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (a) International Labour Organization
Solution:World Social Protection Report is published by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It gives a global overview of recent development in social protection systems.

About International Labour Organization (ILO);

  • It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to improving labourconditions and living standards throughout the world.

History:

  • It was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice.
  • In 1946, the ILO became a specialized agency of the newly formed UN.
  • HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • It is also a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDP), a coalition of UN organization aimed at helping meet
    the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Members: The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
  • Structure: It is the only tripartite U.N. agency, that brings together governments, employers and workers' representatives of 187-member states.