UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 49
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 the 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?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (2 only)
Explanation: Textiles and apparel form an important component of India–Bangladesh commerce; Indo–Sri Lanka trade has fluctuated, and Bangladesh, not Nepal, was generally India’s leading South Asian trading partner in the stated period.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect - Bilateral trade with Sri Lanka has not risen every single year throughout the decade.
2. Correct - Textile fibres, yarn, fabrics and garments are major items in India–Bangladesh trade.
3. Incorrect - Bangladesh, rather than Nepal, has generally been India’s largest trading partner in South Asia in the relevant years.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (Bilateral trade with Sri Lanka has not risen every single year throughout the decade).
B. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 2.
C. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 3 (Bangladesh, rather than Nepal, has generally been India’s largest trading partner in South Asia in the relevant years); omits correct item 2 (Textile fibres, yarn, fabrics and garments are major items in India–Bangladesh trade).
D. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (Bilateral trade with Sri Lanka has not risen every single year throughout the decade); includes incorrect item 3 (Bangladesh, rather than Nepal, has generally been India’s largest trading partner in South Asia in the relevant years).
Review note: The regional trade ranking is time-specific to the 2020 examination.