UPSC Prelims 2020
International Relations Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 3 solved UPSC Prelims 2020 International Relations questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Consider the following statements:
- The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
- “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
- In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 only
This question tests knowledge of India's bilateral trade relationships with South Asian countries, specifically Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Only Statement 2 about textile trade between India and Bangladesh is correct, while statements about consistent trade growth with Sri Lanka and Nepal being the largest trading partner are incorrect.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Indo-Sri Lanka trade has not consistently increased over the last decade; it witnessed significant slumps in 2012-13 and 2016-17, disrupting the steady growth pattern despite overall long-term growth.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Textiles and textile articles constitute an important item of bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh, with India exporting approximately $2.25 billion worth of textile products to Bangladesh.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Bangladesh, not Nepal, has been India's largest trading partner in South Asia in the last five years, with bilateral trade of over $10 billion in FY 2018-19.
📝 Short Notes: India's Trade Relations with South Asian Neighbors
| Country | Status | Key Trade Features (Recent Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Largest trading partner in South Asia | • Bilateral trade: ~$10.25 billion (FY 2018-19) • Indian exports: $9.21 billion • Indian imports: $1.04 billion • Key exports: Textiles, machinery, petroleum products • India has significant trade surplus |
| Sri Lanka | Second major trading partner | • Bilateral trade: $6.2 billion (2018-19) • Indian exports: $4.7 billion • Indian imports: $1.5 billion • Trade experienced slumps in 2012-13 and 2016-17 • India maintains consistent trade surplus |
| Nepal | Important landlocked neighbor | • Bilateral trade: ~$7 billion • Transit-dependent economy • Key Indian exports: Petroleum, vehicles, machinery • Third largest South Asian trading partner |
| Pakistan | Limited formal trade | • Official trade minimal due to political tensions • Significant informal/third-country trade exists • Potential estimated at $10+ billion |
- India-Bangladesh Textile Trade: A cornerstone of bilateral commerce with India being a major supplier of cotton, yarn, and finished textile products to Bangladesh's garment industry
- SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area): Provides preferential trade framework among SAARC nations, though utilization remains suboptimal
- Trade Imbalance Pattern: India generally maintains trade surplus with most South Asian neighbors except Bhutan (hydropower imports)
- Connectivity Initiatives: BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement aims to boost regional trade through better connectivity
In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
The G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. Among the given options, only Option 1 lists four countries that are all members of G20: Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey. Option 2 includes Malaysia and New Zealand (not G20 members), Option 3 includes Iran and Vietnam (not G20 members), and Option 4 includes Singapore (not a G20 member).
📝 Short Notes: G20 Membership
- Full Name: Group of Twenty (G20)
- Established: 1999 (Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors forum); elevated to Leaders' Summit level in 2008
- Total Members: 19 countries + European Union = 20 members
- Member Countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea (Republic of Korea), Turkey, United Kingdom, United States
- Regional Member: European Union (represented by the European Commission and European Central Bank)
- Purpose: Forum for international cooperation on financial and economic issues; represents about 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of world population
- Presidency: Rotates annually among member countries; India held the G20 Presidency in 2023
Consider the following pairs
| International Agreement | Set-up Subject |
|---|---|
| 1. Alma-Ata Declaration | Healthcare of the people |
| 2. Hague Convention | Biological and chemical weapons |
| 3. Talanoa Dialogue | Global climate change |
| 4. Under2 Coalition | Child rights |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of various international agreements and their subject areas. Only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, while pairs 2 and 4 contain incorrect associations.
✅ Pair 1 – Correct: The Alma-Ata Declaration (1978) was adopted at the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Kazakhstan, establishing primary health care as the key to achieving health for all.
❌ Pair 2 – Incorrect: The Hague Convention (1980) deals with the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, not biological and chemical weapons. Biological and chemical weapons are covered by the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC, 1972) and Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC, 1993).
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: The Talanoa Dialogue is a facilitative process under the UNFCCC to take stock of collective efforts toward climate goals and inform Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
❌ Pair 4 – Incorrect: The Under2 Coalition is a global alliance of state and regional governments committed to ambitious climate action to keep global warming well below 2°C, not related to child rights. Child rights are primarily addressed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989).
📝 Short Notes: Key International Agreements
| Agreement/Convention | Year | Subject Area |
|---|---|---|
| Alma-Ata Declaration | 1978 | Primary Health Care for all |
| Hague Convention | 1980 | International Child Abduction (Civil Aspects) |
| Talanoa Dialogue | 2018 | Climate change facilitative dialogue (UNFCCC) |
| Under2 Coalition | 2015 | Subnational climate action (below 2°C target) |
| Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) | 1972 | Prohibition of biological weapons |
| Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) | 1993 | Prohibition of chemical weapons |
| UN Convention on Rights of Child (UNCRC) | 1989 | Child rights and welfare |
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UPSC Prelims 2020 - International Relations Chapter-wise Distribution
International & Regional Organizations
2 Qs (66.7%)India and Its Neighbourhood
1 Qs (33.3%)UPSC Prelims 2020 - International Relations Questions FAQs
Q1 How many International Relations questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2020?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for International Relations in UPSC Prelims 2020?
- International & Regional Organizations: 2 questions (66.7%)
- India and Its Neighbourhood: 1 questions (33.3%)