Question 50 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Current Affairs

Question

With reference to the 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Neither 1 nor 2

Strategy: - Identify the time frame error in Statement 1, noting IOR-ARC was established in 1997, not "very recently."
- Recognize the overly narrow scope of Statement 2, as the association's goals extend beyond maritime security to include economic, trade, and cultural ties.

Key Info: The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), formerly the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), is a regional forum fostering cooperation among Indian Ocean rim countries.

**Overview**
- **Establishment:** Launched in March 1997 in Mauritius.
- **Mandate:** Aims to foster economic cooperation, trade facilitation, and sustainable development.
- **Membership:** Comprises over 20 member states and dialogue partners from Asia, Africa, and Oceania, representing a population of around two billion.
- **Priority Areas:** Includes maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, scientific collaboration, tourism, and academic exchange.
- **Structure:** Features a rotating Chair, a Secretariat in Mauritius, and a Council of Ministers as its apex policy body.
- **India's Role:** A founding member and an active participant in the organization.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option B: 2 only

Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2