International Agreements UPC 2021: A Comprehensive Overview
UPSC aspirants are always on the lookout for the latest and most relevant topics to prepare for the exam. One such topic is international agreements, which has gained significant importance, especially in recent times. As we move towards a more interconnected world, nations are forging new agreements and strengthening existing ones to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation. In this article, we will provide an overview of the most crucial international agreements for UPSC 2021.
1. Paris Agreement on Climate Change
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted by 196 parties in 2015 to combat climate change. The agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels while striving for a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The UPSC exam has seen several questions on the Paris Agreement and India`s involvement in it. India ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 and has pledged to generate 40% of its power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
2. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
The RCEP is a free-trade agreement involving 15 Asia-Pacific countries, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The agreement aims to promote regional economic integration by reducing tariffs, opening up markets, and establishing common rules and regulations. The RCEP is expected to boost economic growth in the member countries, and India`s participation in the agreement has been a subject of controversy. India withdrew from the RCEP negotiations in 2019 citing concerns over its trade deficit with China.
3. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
The CPTPP is a free-trade agreement between 11 countries, including Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The agreement aims to promote economic integration and reduce trade barriers between the member countries. India is not a part of the CPTPP, but the exam may have questions on the agreement`s impact on India`s trade relations with these countries.
4. India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The India-ASEAN FTA is a free-trade agreement between India and the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and barriers to trade between the member countries. The agreement covers various sectors, including goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The India-ASEAN FTA has been in force since 2010, and UPSC aspirants may expect questions on its impact on India-ASEAN trade relations.
5. United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
The USMCA is a free-trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The agreement aims to promote regional economic integration by reducing tariffs, increasing market access, and establishing common rules and regulations. The UPSC exam may have questions on the differences between NAFTA and USMCA and the implications of the agreement for India`s trade relations with the member countries.
In conclusion, international agreements have become increasingly important in today`s interconnected world. Aspirants must keep themselves updated with the latest developments and analyze the impact of these agreements on India`s trade relations with various countries. A thorough understanding of these agreements can help aspirants answer questions on international relations and trade in the UPSC 2021 exam.