Question 14 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Internatio nal Relations

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
2. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only

Strategy: - Confirm India's participation in global commodity councils, noting its membership in the International Grains Council (IGC) supports Statement 1.
- Recognize and reject the implausibility of Statement 2, which suggests trade in rice and wheat is restricted by mandatory IGC membership; such trade is governed by national policy.

Key Info: The International Grains Council (IGC) is an intergovernmental forum created in 1949, headquartered in London, to facilitate cooperation in the international trade of grains such as wheat, maize (corn), rice, and others. Its objectives include enhancing market transparency, improving market stability, and providing market data and analysis on grains and oilseeds. Membership is open to all countries, but it is not compulsory for participating in the international trade of grains. IGC members include major grain exporters and importers, such as India, Australia, the European Union, Russia, and the United States.

India is a member of the International Grains Council, reflecting its significance as both a leading producer and exporter of cereals, especially rice and wheat. However, being a member of the IGC is not a precondition for importing or exporting grains; trade is conducted based on bilateral and multilateral agreements, domestic policies, and international market dynamics. Non-IGC members are also active in the global trade of rice and wheat. The IGC serves as a platform for information exchange, policy dialogue, and cooperation, but does not mandate or enforce trade participation rules. Membership is voluntary and facilitates access to market intelligence and meetings rather than constraining a country's ability to trade.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements: India is a member of the International Grains Council. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

India is a member of the International Grains Council.

A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?