Consider the following statements regarding Human rights concerns and UNHRC resolution voting patterns:
1. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord included provisions for the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to oversee the cessation of hostilities between the Sri Lankan military and the LTTE.
2. In the 2021 UNHRC session, India abstained from voting on Resolution 46/1, which focused on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka.
3. The Sirima-Shastri Pact of 1964 established a framework for the repatriation of approximately 525,000 stateless persons of Indian origin from Sri Lanka over a period of 15 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1987 Accord aimed to resolve the ethnic conflict by deploying the IPKF to disarm militant groups. Statement 2 is correct because India abstained from the 2021 UNHRC vote, emphasizing its commitment to Sri Lanka's territorial integrity while advocating for the devolution of power under the 13th Amendment. Statement 3 is correct as the 1964 Sirima-Shastri Pact was a landmark bilateral agreement that addressed the citizenship status of 'Indian Tamils' in Sri Lanka, mandating the repatriation of 525,000 individuals over 15 years.
Consider the following statements regarding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) history:
1. The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) signed in 1998 serves as the operational precursor to the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
2. The 1998 ISFTA established a permanent institutional mechanism for the settlement of maritime boundary disputes, which later served as the legal foundation for the CEPA negotiations.
3. Negotiations for the CEPA were formally initiated in 2005 following the recommendations of a Joint Study Group report that assessed the potential for deeper economic integration.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1998 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) established the framework for bilateral trade, which CEPA aimed to expand into services and investment. Statement 3 is correct because the Joint Study Group (JSG), established in 2003, recommended transitioning from the ISFTA to a more comprehensive partnership, leading to formal CEPA negotiations in 2005. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ISFTA is strictly a trade agreement focused on goods and market access; it does not contain provisions for maritime boundary disputes, which are governed by separate international legal frameworks and bilateral maritime boundary agreements signed in 1974 and 1976.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations:
1. The ETCA framework incorporates the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord as its primary legal basis, providing a mechanism for the harmonisation of customs duties across the Palk Strait.
2. Under the proposed ETCA, the Indian government provides for the automatic recognition of Sri Lankan engineering degrees, a clause that mirrors the 2005 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
3. The Joint Working Group on Trade, established during the 2015 visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Jaffna, serves as the primary oversight body for the final ratification of the ETCA.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
None of the statements are correct because the ETCA is a proposed bilateral trade agreement focused on services, investment, and technology, not a derivative of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord. Statement 2 is false as there is no provision for the automatic recognition of engineering degrees, which remains a point of domestic contention in Sri Lanka. Statement 3 is incorrect because the oversight of ETCA negotiations is managed by high-level bilateral trade committees and ministerial dialogues, not a Joint Working Group established during a visit to Jaffna.
Consider the following statements regarding Cultural diplomacy and the Buddhist Circuit initiative:
1. In 2021, India facilitated the inaugural international flight to the Kushinagar International Airport, which carried a delegation of Buddhist monks and government officials from Sri Lanka.
2. The 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka includes specific provisions for the exchange of experts in the preservation of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
3. The 2015 'Shared Vision' statement between India and Sri Lanka formalized the inclusion of the Anuradhapura sacred site into the UNESCO-recognized Buddhist Circuit map managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Kushinagar International Airport was inaugurated in October 2021 with the arrival of a Sri Lankan delegation carrying holy Buddhist relics. Statement 2 is correct because the 2011 MoU on Cultural Cooperation explicitly focuses on the conservation and restoration of Buddhist sites and the exchange of expertise in manuscript preservation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 'Shared Vision' statement of 2015 did not formalize the inclusion of Anuradhapura into a UNESCO-recognized circuit managed by the ASI, as the Buddhist Circuit is a domestic tourism initiative led by the Ministry of Tourism, and international sites like Anuradhapura are managed by the Sri Lankan government.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) status:
1. The ISFTA was signed in Colombo during the 10th SAARC Summit in 1998, and it replaced the 1961 Indo-Ceylon Trade Agreement to facilitate regional integration.
2. The agreement includes a Rules of Origin criterion that requires a minimum of 35% domestic value addition, which was increased to 45% during the 2015 ministerial review.
3. The India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, established in 1992, oversees the ISFTA implementation and manages the annual quota for tea exports from Sri Lanka to India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the ISFTA was signed in 1998 but did not replace the 1961 Indo-Ceylon Trade Agreement, which had lapsed much earlier. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Rules of Origin criterion remains at 35% domestic value addition and was never increased to 45%. Statement 3 is incorrect because the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission oversees broader bilateral relations, while the ISFTA is specifically monitored by the India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee, and tea exports are subject to a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) rather than being managed by the Joint Commission.
Consider the following statements regarding Palk Bay fishing rights and bottom trawling:
1. The 'Deep Sea Fishing Scheme', launched by the Indian government in 2017, aims to facilitate the transition of traditional trawler owners to deep-sea longlining to reduce the reliance on bottom trawling in the Palk Bay.
2. The Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries was established in 2016 to serve as a bilateral mechanism for addressing the recurring issues of fishing vessel detention and maritime boundary crossings.
3. The Palk Bay region serves as a shared ecological zone for various species, including the Indian oil sardine and mackerel, which are targeted by fishers from both Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2017 scheme promotes deep-sea fishing vessels (longliners) to replace bottom trawlers, which are ecologically destructive and cause cross-border tensions. Statement 2 is correct because the JWG on Fisheries was established in 2016 to institutionalize dialogue between India and Sri Lanka regarding the release of detained fishermen and the phasing out of bottom trawling. Statement 3 is correct as the Palk Bay is a highly productive, shared marine ecosystem where migratory fish stocks like sardines and mackerel are commercially exploited by both Tamil Nadu and Northern Sri Lankan fishers, leading to frequent competition and maritime disputes.
Consider the following statements regarding Maritime Domain Awareness and Colombo Security Conclave:
1. Mauritius was formally admitted as the fifth member state of the Colombo Security Conclave during the Deputy National Security Adviser-level meeting held in July 2022.
2. The 1974 Agreement on the Boundary in Historic Waters between India and Sri Lanka placed the island of Katchatheevu on the Sri Lankan side of the maritime boundary.
3. The Colombo Security Conclave was formalised in 2020, initially comprising India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives as its founding members.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Mauritius joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as its fifth member during the 2022 NSA-level meeting. Statement 2 is correct because the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement demarcated the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Statement 3 is correct as the CSC originated in 2020 as a trilateral initiative between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to enhance regional maritime security and cooperation.
Consider the following statements regarding Debt restructuring and IMF-led financial stabilization:
1. The Paris Club of creditors, in coordination with India, issued a formal financing assurance letter in January 2023 to support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process.
2. In March 2023, the International Monetary Fund approved a 48-month Extended Fund Facility of approximately $2.9 billion to support Sri Lanka's economic stabilization program.
3. India provided financial assistance totaling nearly $4 billion in 2022, including lines of credit for essential imports like fuel, food, and medicines during the peak of Sri Lanka's economic crisis.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. In January 2023, India became the first bilateral creditor to provide a formal financing assurance to the IMF, aligning with the Paris Club to facilitate Sri Lanka's debt restructuring. The IMF subsequently approved a $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility in March 2023 to restore macroeconomic stability, while India's proactive $4 billion aid package in 2022 served as a critical lifeline for Sri Lanka's essential imports during its worst economic collapse.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations:
1. The ETCA negotiations include a provision for the creation of a common currency zone, which follows the feasibility study conducted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 2012.
2. The scope of the ETCA encompasses the maritime boundary agreement of 1974, allowing for joint resource exploration in the Gulf of Mannar as part of the trade liberalisation package.
3. The ETCA draft includes a sunset clause that triggers a review of the agreement every five years, a feature originally introduced in the 2003 India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
None of the statements are correct because the ETCA is a framework agreement focused on trade in goods, services, and investment, and it does not include provisions for a common currency zone, maritime boundary adjustments, or a sunset clause derived from the 2003 investment agreement. Statement 1 is false as there is no common currency proposal; Statement 2 is incorrect because the maritime boundary is a settled geopolitical issue separate from trade negotiations; and Statement 3 is false as the ETCA does not incorporate such a specific sunset clause linked to the 2003 agreement.
Consider the following statements regarding Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm development project:
1. Under the 2022 agreement, 24 tanks are allocated for the use of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, while 14 tanks are managed by Lanka IOC.
2. The development project is managed under the framework of the India-Sri Lanka economic partnership, aimed at enhancing regional energy security and maritime logistics.
3. The project framework includes the development of a dedicated pipeline connecting the China Bay facility to the Colombo port, as outlined in the 2019 energy cooperation protocol.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2022 agreement allocated 24 tanks to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and 14 to Lanka IOC, while a joint venture (Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd.) manages 61 tanks. Statement 2 is correct because the project is a strategic pillar of the India-Sri Lanka economic partnership designed to bolster regional energy security and transform Trincomalee into a maritime hub. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no 2019 energy cooperation protocol outlining a pipeline to Colombo; the project focuses on rehabilitating existing infrastructure at the China Bay facility rather than constructing a pipeline to the capital.
Consider the following statements regarding Devolution of power to the Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils:
1. The 16th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, introduced in 1988, serves as the primary legal instrument for the devolution of land and police powers to the Northern Provincial Council.
2. The 13th Amendment provides for the establishment of a Governor in each province, appointed by the President of Sri Lanka, to exercise executive power on behalf of the central government.
3. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord includes provisions for the establishment of the North-East Provincial Council, which held its first legislative session in Jaffna under the supervision of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1988.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the 13th Amendment mandates that the President of Sri Lanka appoints a Governor for each province to act as the executive head. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 13th Amendment, not the 16th, is the legal framework for provincial devolution, though land and police powers remain contentious and largely un-devolved. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 1987 Accord established the North-East Provincial Council, its first legislative session was held in Trincomalee, not Jaffna, and it functioned under the administrative framework of the Accord rather than being solely supervised by the IPKF.
Consider the following statements regarding Tamil Nadu's political influence on bilateral foreign policy:
1. The 2010 Joint Statement issued by India and Sri Lanka regarding the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons included a formal commitment to implement the 13th Amendment through a joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from the Tamil National Alliance.
2. The 1987 Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) deployment was initiated under the specific request of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, following the enactment of the 13th Amendment which provided the legal basis for the intervention.
3. The 1964 Sirima-Shastri Pact established a framework for the repatriation of approximately 525,000 people of Indian origin from Sri Lanka to India over a period of 15 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 1964 Sirima-Shastri Pact was a landmark agreement between Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sirimavo Bandaranaike to grant citizenship to 300,000 stateless Tamils in Sri Lanka while repatriating 525,000 to India over 15 years. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2010 Joint Statement did not include a formal committee involving the Tamil National Alliance, and India's advocacy for the 13th Amendment has historically been a diplomatic stance rather than a joint monitoring mechanism. Statement 2 is incorrect because the IPKF was deployed under the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed by Rajiv Gandhi and J.R. Jayewardene, not at the request of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, and the 13th Amendment was a consequence of this accord rather than the legal basis for the military intervention.
Consider the following statements regarding Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm development project:
1. The 2003 lease agreement between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Lanka IOC was signed in Colombo and covers the management of 85 storage tanks in the Trincomalee harbor area.
2. The Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd. was established following the 2015 bilateral memorandum of understanding, which allocated 61 tanks for joint commercial operations.
3. The original lease agreement for the oil tank farm dates back to 2003, when the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation leased the facility to Lanka IOC for a period of 35 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 2003 agreement leased the facility to Lanka IOC for 35 years. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2003 agreement covered 99 tanks, not 85. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd. was established following a 2022 agreement, not a 2015 memorandum, and it involves the joint development of 61 tanks.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations:
1. The Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) is intended to expand upon the existing India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) which was signed in 1998.
2. Negotiations for the ETCA framework include specific provisions for the movement of natural persons, which aims to facilitate the temporary professional services sector between the two nations.
3. The 12th round of negotiations for the ETCA was held in Colombo in October 2023, marking a resumption of formal talks after a hiatus that began in 2019.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the ETCA aims to broaden the 1998 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) by including services, investment, and technology cooperation. Statement 2 is correct because the agreement specifically addresses the 'Mode 4' movement of natural persons to facilitate professional service exchanges between the two nations. Statement 3 is correct as the 12th round of negotiations took place in Colombo in October 2023, effectively reviving the formal dialogue process that had been stalled since 2019.
Consider the following statements regarding Connectivity initiatives: Jaffna-Chennai air link and ferry services:
1. The ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar was officially relaunched in 2023 as part of the India-Sri Lanka Connectivity Vision statement signed during the President's visit to New Delhi.
2. The Palaly International Airport in Jaffna underwent significant infrastructure upgrades with Indian assistance, including the extension of the runway to accommodate larger commercial aircraft.
3. The air link between Chennai and Jaffna is operated under the Open Skies Agreement signed between India and Sri Lanka in 2018, which covers all international airports in both nations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Palaly International Airport (now Jaffna International Airport) was upgraded with Indian grant assistance, including runway expansion to facilitate regional connectivity. Statement 1 is incorrect because the ferry service launched in 2023 connects Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, not Rameswaram and Talaimannar. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chennai-Jaffna air link operates under a bilateral Air Services Agreement, not an 'Open Skies Agreement,' as India and Sri Lanka do not have an open skies policy covering all international airports.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative on Hambantota Port:
1. In July 2017, the Sri Lankan government signed a 99-year lease agreement with China Merchants Port Holdings for the operation and management of the Hambantota International Port.
2. The 2008 construction contract for the Hambantota Port was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company, which completed the first phase of the project under the supervision of the Asian Development Bank.
3. The 2017 debt-for-equity swap involving the Hambantota Port was facilitated through the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, which was ratified by the parliament in Colombo during the same fiscal year.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Sri Lanka signed a 99-year lease agreement with China Merchants Port Holdings in 2017 to manage the port due to mounting debt. Statement 2 is incorrect because the project was primarily funded and constructed by Chinese entities, specifically China Harbour Engineering Company and Sinohydro Corporation, without Asian Development Bank supervision. Statement 3 is incorrect because the debt-for-equity swap was a bilateral financial arrangement between the Sri Lankan government and Chinese state-owned enterprises, not a product of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, which remains under negotiation and has not been ratified.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission mechanisms:
1. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord established the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, which replaced the existing 1978 Trade Agreement between the two countries.
2. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which emerged from the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, seeks to devolve power to the provincial councils in the island nation.
3. The India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was established in 1992 to provide a structured mechanism for reviewing bilateral cooperation across economic, trade, and technical sectors.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord did not establish the Joint Commission; rather, the Joint Commission was formally established in 1992. Statement 2 is correct as the 13th Amendment, a direct outcome of the 1987 Accord, mandates the devolution of power to provincial councils to address ethnic grievances. Statement 3 is correct because the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was indeed set up in 1992 to serve as a high-level institutional framework for reviewing and strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.
Consider the following statements regarding Maritime Domain Awareness and Colombo Security Conclave:
1. The 1976 Maritime Boundary Agreement between India and Sri Lanka established the Exclusive Economic Zone limits and granted Indian fishermen permanent access to the Wadge Bank for a period of 25 years.
2. Bangladesh was granted observer status in the Colombo Security Conclave during the 2021 virtual summit, which also saw the inclusion of the Seychelles as a permanent member.
3. The Colombo Security Conclave operates under the charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, which provides the legal framework for its annual maritime surveillance exercises.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1976 agreement granted Indian fishermen access to the Wadge Bank for only three years, not 25. Statement 2 is false as Mauritius is the member that joined in 2022, while Bangladesh was invited as an observer only in 2022, not 2021. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Colombo Security Conclave is an independent regional security grouping and does not operate under the Indian Ocean Rim Association charter.
Consider the following statements regarding 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution:
1. The amendment provides for the establishment of Provincial Councils as a mechanism for the devolution of power to address the ethnic conflict in the island nation.
2. The 13th Amendment incorporates the Thirteenth Schedule, which outlines the financial powers of the Provincial Councils, including the authority to levy income tax on corporate entities within their jurisdiction.
3. The 1987 Accord established the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to oversee the implementation of the 13th Amendment, with the force remaining stationed in the country until the 1993 general elections.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 13th Amendment was enacted in 1987 following the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to devolve power to provincial councils to address Tamil grievances. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Thirteenth Schedule excludes the power to levy income tax, as taxation powers remain largely centralized with the national government. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IPKF withdrew from Sri Lanka by March 1990, not 1993, following a request from the then-President Ranasinghe Premadasa.
Consider the following statements regarding Palk Bay fishing rights and bottom trawling:
1. The 1976 maritime boundary agreement established the exclusive economic zones for both nations in the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal, extending the maritime limits beyond the Palk Strait.
2. The 1974 maritime boundary agreement between India and Sri Lanka demarcated the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Palk Strait, effectively placing Katchatheevu island on the Sri Lankan side.
3. Bottom trawling, a practice involving the dragging of heavy weighted nets across the seabed, was officially banned in Sri Lankan waters under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The 1976 agreement finalized the maritime boundary in the Gulf of Mannar and Bay of Bengal, complementing the 1974 agreement that demarcated the Palk Strait and ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Sri Lanka officially prohibited bottom trawling in its territorial waters through the 2017 amendment to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996 to protect marine biodiversity and local livelihoods. All three statements are factually accurate as they correctly reflect the historical maritime agreements and the legal framework governing fishing practices in the region.
Consider the following statements regarding Tamil Nadu's political influence on bilateral foreign policy:
1. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord included provisions for the immediate merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces into a single administrative unit, which was ratified by the Sri Lankan Parliament through the 14th Constitutional Amendment.
2. The 1974 agreement regarding the island of Katchatheevu, signed by Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, demarcated the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait.
3. The 1974 Katchatheevu agreement contains a specific clause that grants Indian fishermen the right to engage in traditional fishing activities within the territorial waters of the island, subject to periodic review by the Tamil Nadu state government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the 1987 Accord proposed a merger, it was implemented via the 13th Amendment, not the 14th. Statement 2 is correct as the 1974 agreement officially demarcated the maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1974 agreement did not include any clauses granting Indian fishermen rights to fish in Katchatheevu's waters, and the Tamil Nadu state government has no legal authority to review or regulate international maritime treaties.
Consider the following statements regarding Tamil Nadu's political influence on bilateral foreign policy:
1. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, introduced following the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, aimed to devolve power to the provincial councils including those in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
2. In 2009, the Government of India established the Special Task Force on Sri Lanka, chaired by the National Security Advisor, to coordinate humanitarian assistance and monitor the post-conflict situation in the Northern Province.
3. The 1964 Sirima-Shastri Pact established the criteria for the grant of Sri Lankan citizenship to 300,000 individuals of Indian origin, and it included a protocol for the direct involvement of the Madras State government in the administrative processing of these applications.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 13th Amendment, a product of the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, sought to devolve power to provincial councils to address Tamil grievances. Statement 2 is correct because the Indian government did establish a high-level task force in 2009 to manage humanitarian aid and post-conflict rehabilitation in Sri Lanka's Northern Province. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 1964 Sirima-Shastri Pact addressed the citizenship of 'stateless' Tamils of Indian origin, it was a bilateral agreement between the central governments of India and Sri Lanka, and the Madras State government was not involved in the administrative processing of these applications.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission mechanisms:
1. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in 2008 to expand the scope of the 2000 Free Trade Agreement, incorporating specific chapters on maritime security and defense.
2. The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), which entered into force in 2000, covers trade in goods but does not include provisions for services or investment.
3. The 1976 Maritime Boundary Agreement between India and Sri Lanka defined the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) limits and granted Indian vessels permanent fishing rights within the territorial waters of the Wadge Bank.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the 2000 ISFTA is limited to trade in goods, while negotiations for the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) aim to cover services and investment. Statement 1 is incorrect because CEPA was proposed but never signed due to domestic opposition in Sri Lanka, and it did not include maritime security or defense chapters. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the 1976 agreement defined the maritime boundary, the fishing rights in the Wadge Bank were only granted to Indian vessels for a transitional period of three years, not permanently.
Consider the following statements regarding Debt restructuring and IMF-led financial stabilization:
1. As of early 2024, India remains one of Sri Lanka's largest bilateral creditors, having extended significant support through currency swap arrangements and deferment of Asian Clearing Union settlements.
2. The 2022 India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Agreement provides for a debt-for-equity swap mechanism, which allowed India to acquire a controlling stake in the Trincomalee oil tank farm as part of the initial IMF-led bailout package.
3. The Sri Lankan government reached an agreement in principle with the Ad Hoc Group of Bondholders in September 2023 to restructure approximately $12 billion in international sovereign bonds.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as India provided nearly $4 billion in emergency assistance, including currency swaps and credit lines, to stabilize Sri Lanka's economy during the 2022 crisis. Statement 3 is correct because Sri Lanka reached a preliminary agreement with international bondholders in September 2023 to restructure $12 billion of debt, a key requirement for IMF program continuity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Trincomalee oil tank farm project was governed by a 2022 joint venture agreement between Lanka IOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, not an 'Economic Partnership Agreement' or a debt-for-equity swap mechanism linked to the IMF bailout.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance:
1. The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Disaster Management between India and Sri Lanka established a framework for the exchange of technical expertise and early warning data.
2. In 2020, the Indian Navy deployed INS Sahyadri and INS Kamorta to assist in the containment of the MT New Diamond oil tanker fire off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
3. During the 2017 floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, the Indian government dispatched three naval ships, including INS Kirch, carrying medical supplies and relief materials under Operation Sahayata.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the 2016 MoU formalised bilateral cooperation in disaster risk reduction, while the Indian Navy's swift deployment of INS Sahyadri and INS Kamorta in 2020 was pivotal in extinguishing the MT New Diamond fire. Furthermore, Operation Sahayata in 2017 saw India demonstrate its role as a 'first responder' in the Indian Ocean Region by dispatching INS Kirch and two other naval vessels to provide immediate medical aid and relief during Sri Lanka's severe floods.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative on Hambantota Port:
1. The Hambantota Port serves as a critical node in the Maritime Silk Road initiative, and the 2015 revised master plan included provisions for a dedicated naval base operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy.
2. The Hambantota Port project was initially conceptualized with feasibility studies conducted by the Canadian firm SNC-Lavalin in 2003, prior to the subsequent involvement of Chinese state-owned enterprises.
3. The 2017 lease agreement for the Hambantota Port involved a transaction value of approximately 1.12 billion USD, which was intended to help the Sri Lankan government address its balance of payments challenges.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the 2003 feasibility study by SNC-Lavalin initially proposed the port's development, predating Chinese involvement. Statement 3 is correct because the 99-year lease agreement signed in 2017 for $1.12 billion was specifically aimed at alleviating Sri Lanka's severe balance of payments crisis. Statement 1 is incorrect because, while the port is a key node in the Maritime Silk Road, the lease agreement does not contain provisions for a dedicated Chinese naval base, and the Sri Lankan government maintains sovereignty over security operations at the facility.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) status:
1. Under the ISFTA, India provides duty-free access to Sri Lanka for a wide range of products, excluding a 'Negative List' that contains 1,180 tariff lines.
2. The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) was signed on December 28, 1998, and entered into force on March 1, 2000.
3. The ISFTA serves as the foundational framework for the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), which aims to expand trade in services and investment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as India maintains a 'Negative List' of 1,180 tariff lines to protect sensitive domestic industries while granting duty-free access to other Sri Lankan goods. Statement 2 is correct because the ISFTA was signed on December 28, 1998, and became operational on March 1, 2000, marking the first bilateral FTA for both nations. Statement 3 is correct as the ISFTA provides the baseline for the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), which seeks to broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation beyond goods to include services and investment.
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Housing Project in Northern and Eastern provinces:
1. The Government of India allocated a total of 15 billion Indian Rupees for the project, which was implemented through the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Housing.
2. The Indian Housing Project was launched following the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, and it remains the primary mechanism for the resettlement of internally displaced persons in the Jaffna peninsula.
3. The pilot phase of the project involved the construction of 1,000 houses in the Northern Province, with the technical oversight provided by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to ensure financial transparency.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Indian Housing Project was launched in 2010, not under the 1987 Accord, and is implemented through an owner-driven model rather than the UNDP. The total commitment for the project is approximately 1,372 crore Indian Rupees (not 15 billion), and it covers the entire island rather than being restricted to the Jaffna peninsula. Furthermore, technical oversight is provided by the High Commission of India and project management consultants, not the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Consider the following statements regarding Katchatheevu Island sovereignty dispute:
1. The 1974 agreement includes provisions that allow Indian pilgrims to visit the St. Anthonyâs Church on Katchatheevu without obtaining travel documents or visas from Sri Lankan authorities.
2. Katchatheevu is an uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait, situated approximately 14 nautical miles from the Indian coast near Rameswaram.
3. The Raja of Ramnad held the zamindari rights over Katchatheevu prior to the 1974 maritime boundary agreement, a claim that was historically contested by the colonial government of Ceylon.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the 1974 agreement explicitly guarantees Indian pilgrims access to St. Anthonyâs Church without visa requirements; the island is indeed an uninhabited 285-acre territory located in the Palk Strait, roughly 14 nautical miles off the Rameswaram coast; and historical records confirm that the Raja of Ramnad exercised zamindari rights over the island, a claim that was frequently disputed by the British colonial administration in Ceylon throughout the early 20th century.
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Housing Project in Northern and Eastern provinces:
1. The 2012 Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sri Lanka regarding the housing project established the National Housing Development Authority as the sole procurement agency for construction materials.
2. The Indian Housing Project, initiated in 2010, aimed to construct 50,000 houses for conflict-affected families in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka.
3. The project framework includes a provision for the transfer of land titles to the Indian High Commission for a period of ten years to ensure the structural integrity of the housing units.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the project was launched in 2010 to build 50,000 houses for conflict-affected families in Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern provinces. Statement 1 is incorrect because the project followed an 'owner-driven' model where beneficiaries themselves managed construction, rather than a central procurement agency. Statement 3 is incorrect because land titles are held by the beneficiaries, and there is no provision for transferring land ownership to the Indian High Commission.
Consider the following statements regarding Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm development project:
1. In January 2022, the governments of India and Sri Lanka signed a formal agreement to jointly develop the facility through the Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd.
2. The Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm project involves the renovation and development of 99 storage tanks located in the China Bay area.
3. The joint venture company, Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd., is structured with 51% equity held by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and 49% by Lanka IOC.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
In January 2022, India and Sri Lanka signed a formal agreement to jointly develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, a strategic facility located in the China Bay area comprising 99 storage tanks. The project is executed through the Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture where the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) holds 51% equity and Lanka IOC (a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation) holds the remaining 49%. All three statements are factually correct as they accurately reflect the ownership structure, the scope of the project, and the timeline of the inter-governmental agreement.
Consider the following statements regarding Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project implications:
1. The project involves the dredging of the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, which are ecologically sensitive zones recognized for their coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
2. The Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project aims to create a navigable channel through the Palk Strait by dredging the shallow Adam's Bridge, which consists of a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island and Mannar Island.
3. In 2005, the Government of India launched the project with the objective of providing a continuous navigable sea route around the Indian Peninsula, bypassing the need for ships to navigate around Sri Lanka.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the project involves dredging ecologically fragile areas like the Gulf of Mannar, which is a designated Biosphere Reserve, to create a navigable path through the limestone shoals of Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu). Launched in 2005, the project aimed to reduce travel distance by approximately 400 nautical miles by bypassing the circuitous route around Sri Lanka, though it has faced significant delays due to environmental, economic, and religious concerns.
Consider the following statements regarding Maritime Domain Awareness and Colombo Security Conclave:
1. The Colombo Security Conclave Secretariat was established in New Delhi in 2023 to coordinate the activities of the BIMSTEC member states regarding regional maritime security.
2. The Maritime Domain Awareness initiative between India and Sri Lanka is governed by the 1987 Accord, which provides for the joint patrolling of the Palk Strait by the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Navy.
3. India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 to implement a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, which is supported by a grant of 6 million USD.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as India and Sri Lanka signed an MoU in 2022 to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) with a $6 million grant. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a distinct regional grouping involving India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh, not BIMSTEC, and its permanent secretariat was established in 2024, not 2023. Statement 2 is incorrect because there is no 1987 Accord mandating joint patrolling of the Palk Strait; while India and Sri Lanka cooperate on maritime security, such patrols are not governed by any such formal 1987 agreement.
Consider the following statements regarding Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project implications:
1. The alignment of the Sethusamudram project, specifically Alignment 6, was proposed to avoid the sensitive Ram Setu structure while still providing a viable passage for vessels with a draft of up to 10 meters.
2. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord contains a provision that grants India the right to construct artificial shipping lanes in the Palk Strait to ensure the security of trade routes between Chennai and Colombo.
3. The 1974 Agreement on the Boundary in Historic Waters between India and Sri Lanka established the maritime boundary, placing Katchatheevu Island within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Alignment 6 was proposed to bypass the Ram Setu while accommodating vessels with a 10-meter draft. Statement 3 is correct because the 1974 agreement formally demarcated the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait, ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord primarily addressed the ethnic conflict and the devolution of power, containing no provisions regarding the construction of artificial shipping lanes or the Sethusamudram project.
Consider the following statements regarding Cultural diplomacy and the Buddhist Circuit initiative:
1. The 2019 India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Tourism identified the development of a direct ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai as a primary mechanism to boost religious tourism to the Mahabodhi Temple.
2. The 2006 Cultural Exchange Programme provides for the reciprocal hosting of the 'Festival of India' in Colombo and the 'Festival of Sri Lanka' in Varanasi, with funding shared equally between the two national treasuries.
3. The 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on the renovation of Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka allows the Indian High Commission to directly manage the restoration of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service, resumed in 2023, aims to boost general connectivity and tourism rather than being a specific mechanism for the Mahabodhi Temple. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no such 2006 agreement mandating reciprocal festivals in those specific cities with equal treasury funding. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2017 MoU focused on the renovation of various Buddhist sites, but the Temple of the Tooth Relic is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site managed by the Sri Lankan authorities, not the Indian High Commission.
Consider the following statements regarding Human rights concerns and UNHRC resolution voting patterns:
1. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which emerged from the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, provides for the devolution of power to provincial councils.
2. India abstained from voting on the 2012 UNHRC resolution titled 'Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka', which called for the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission recommendations.
3. India voted in favor of the 2014 UNHRC resolution that authorized the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 13th Amendment, mandated by the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, established provincial councils to address Tamil aspirations for autonomy. Statement 2 is correct because India abstained from the 2012 UNHRC resolution, balancing its concerns over human rights with its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. Statement 3 is correct as India voted in favor of the 2014 resolution, which authorized an international investigation into alleged war crimes, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic stance toward accountability in Sri Lanka.
Consider the following statements regarding Katchatheevu Island sovereignty dispute:
1. The 1976 exchange of letters between India and Sri Lanka restricted the fishing rights of Indian fishermen and pilgrims in the waters around Katchatheevu.
2. The 1974 Agreement on the Maritime Boundary between India and Sri Lanka formally recognized Katchatheevu as lying on the Sri Lankan side of the maritime boundary.
3. The 1974 agreement was ratified by the Parliament of India through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, which formally adjusted the maritime borders in the Palk Strait.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the 1976 exchange of letters restricted Indian fishermen's access to the island's waters, effectively ending their traditional fishing rights. Statement 2 is correct as the 1974 agreement formally ceded the island to Sri Lanka by drawing the maritime boundary through the Palk Strait. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1974 agreement was implemented through an executive action rather than a Constitutional Amendment, and the 36th Amendment Act actually pertained to the status of Sikkim, not the maritime borders.
Consider the following statements regarding 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution:
1. The amendment includes provisions for the merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, a status that was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in its 1988 landmark ruling.
2. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution was enacted in 1987 as a direct consequence of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed between Rajiv Gandhi and J.R. Jayewardene.
3. The 13th Amendment originated from the 1983 Annexure C proposal, which sought to create a federal structure that replaced the existing unitary state model in the Sri Lankan Constitution.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the 13th Amendment was enacted in 1987 following the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to address ethnic conflict by devolving power to provinces. Statement 1 is incorrect because while the amendment facilitated a temporary merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled this merger unconstitutional in 2006, leading to their de-merger in 2007. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 13th Amendment established a system of Provincial Councils within a unitary framework rather than creating a federal structure, as the Sri Lankan Constitution remains explicitly unitary.
Consider the following statements regarding Palk Bay fishing rights and bottom trawling:
1. The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996 provides for the regulation of commercial fishing, and the 2004 bilateral memorandum of understanding established a formal quota system for the number of trawlers permitted in the Palk Bay.
2. The Joint Working Group on Fisheries meets on a biannual basis, and the 2018 summit resulted in the signing of a permanent maritime demarcation protocol that settled the dispute over the IMBL.
3. The 1974 maritime boundary agreement includes provisions for the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishers, and the 1976 supplementary agreement extended these specific access rights to the Wadge Bank region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because there is no 2004 bilateral MoU establishing a quota system for trawlers in Palk Bay. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Joint Working Group on Fisheries does not meet on a fixed biannual basis, and no permanent maritime demarcation protocol was signed in 2018 to settle the IMBL dispute. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the 1974 and 1976 agreements demarcated the maritime boundary, they effectively ended traditional fishing rights for Indian fishers in Sri Lankan waters, and the 1976 agreement specifically restricted Indian access to the Wadge Bank, phasing it out completely after a transition period.
Consider the following statements regarding Connectivity initiatives: Jaffna-Chennai air link and ferry services:
1. The ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in northern Sri Lanka was inaugurated in October 2023 to enhance regional connectivity.
2. The 2023 ferry service operation is managed by the Shipping Corporation of India, connecting the ports of Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai across the Palk Strait.
3. The direct air service between Chennai and Jaffna was resumed in December 2022 after a hiatus of nearly three years, utilizing the Palaly International Airport.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai was launched in October 2023 to boost cultural and economic ties, and it is operated by the Shipping Corporation of India. Additionally, the Chennai-Jaffna air route was successfully resumed in December 2022, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity by utilizing the Palaly International Airport after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consider the following statements regarding Energy grid interconnection and renewable energy projects:
1. The proposed India-Sri Lanka power grid interconnection aims to establish a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between the two countries to enhance regional energy security.
2. The 2017 Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) includes provisions for the establishment of a submarine electricity cable connecting the power grids of Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
3. The Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2023 facilitates the development of renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, specifically focusing on the Trincomalee district.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the proposed India-Sri Lanka power grid interconnection involves a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link to facilitate cross-border electricity trade and regional energy security. Statement 3 is correct because the April 2023 MoU signed during President Wickremesinghe's visit emphasizes cooperation in renewable energy, with a specific focus on developing projects in the Trincomalee district. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) focuses on trade in services, goods, and investment, whereas the power grid interconnection is a separate bilateral initiative discussed through specific energy MoUs, not part of the ETCA framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Debt restructuring and IMF-led financial stabilization:
1. India's bilateral debt restructuring proposal, submitted to the IMF in January 2023, was the first among Sri Lanka's major creditors to be formally acknowledged by the Fund.
2. The IMF's first review of the Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka, completed in December 2023, noted progress in fiscal consolidation and the restoration of external buffers.
3. The 2022 economic crisis in Sri Lanka resulted in the suspension of debt service payments on external public debt, leading to a default on international sovereign bonds for the first time in the country's history.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
In January 2023, India became the first bilateral creditor to provide written financing assurances to the IMF, supporting Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process. The IMF's first review of the $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility, concluded in December 2023, officially acknowledged Sri Lanka's initial progress in fiscal consolidation and the rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves. Finally, the 2022 crisis marked Sri Lanka's first-ever sovereign default since gaining independence in 1948, following the government's decision to suspend debt service payments on its international sovereign bonds and other external obligations.
Consider the following statements regarding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) history:
1. The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 contains the primary legal text for the CEPA, defining the specific tariff reduction schedules for the textile sector.
2. In 2008, the Joint Study Group on CEPA concluded that the agreement should focus on the immediate adoption of a common currency, a proposal that was formally ratified by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
3. The CEPA draft finalized in 2011 included a specific clause for the automatic granting of citizenship to service professionals, which led to the suspension of talks by the Sri Lankan cabinet.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All statements are incorrect: The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was a political agreement focused on ethnic reconciliation, not trade or tariff schedules. The 2008 Joint Study Group explored trade in goods, services, and investment, but never proposed a common currency or monetary union. The 2011 CEPA draft faced opposition in Sri Lanka primarily due to concerns over the movement of natural persons and potential loss of sovereignty in service sectors, but it never contained a clause for automatic citizenship for professionals.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative on Hambantota Port:
1. The 2017 lease agreement contains a clause that provides for the automatic renewal of the port concession for an additional 50 years, contingent upon the successful completion of the Southern Expressway extension.
2. Under the 2017 concession framework, the Hambantota International Port Group and the Hambantota International Port Services were established as joint ventures to oversee port operations and security protocols.
3. The 2012 opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was funded by the Exim Bank of China as a direct component of the Hambantota Port's Phase II expansion agreement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS) were indeed established as joint ventures between the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and China Merchants Port Holdings to manage operations. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2017 lease agreement is for a 99-year term, not 50 years, and it contains no clause for automatic renewal linked to the Southern Expressway. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was funded by the Exim Bank of China, it was a separate project initiated in 2010 and was not a formal component of the Phase II expansion agreement of the Hambantota Port.
Consider the following statements regarding 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution:
1. The devolution of police powers to the provinces is a core component of the 13th Amendment, and these powers were fully operationalized across all nine provinces by the end of the 1990s.
2. Under the provisions of the 13th Amendment, the subjects of education, health, and agriculture are listed under the Provincial Council List, subject to specific limitations.
3. The 13th Amendment formally recognized Tamil as an official language alongside Sinhala, elevating its status within the constitutional framework of Sri Lanka.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because, despite being a core component of the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, police and land powers were never fully devolved to the provinces due to persistent political resistance and legal hurdles. Statement 2 is correct as the 13th Amendment created the Provincial Council system, which grants provinces jurisdiction over subjects like health, education, and agriculture under the Provincial List. Statement 3 is correct because the 13th Amendment, alongside the 16th Amendment, formally recognized Tamil as an official language, a critical step toward addressing the grievances of the Tamil minority.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance:
1. The 2022 economic crisis response included the deployment of the Indian Coast Guard vessel Samudra Prahari to provide emergency fuel supplies and desalination support to the Port of Colombo.
2. Under the 2018 Disaster Management Cooperation Agreement, India provided Sri Lanka with real-time satellite imagery from the RISAT-2B sensor to monitor coastal erosion patterns in the Jaffna peninsula.
3. The 2004 Tsunami disaster prompted the signing of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Task Force on Disaster Response, which serves as the primary legal instrument for coordinating naval patrols in the Palk Strait.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is false because while India provided massive economic aid in 2022, the vessel 'Samudra Prahari' is a pollution-control vessel, not a fuel tanker, and was not deployed for fuel supply. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no '2018 Disaster Management Cooperation Agreement' with such specific provisions, and RISAT-2B is primarily for security and surveillance rather than coastal erosion monitoring in Jaffna. Statement 3 is false because no 'Joint Task Force on Disaster Response' was signed in 2004; disaster cooperation is managed through broader bilateral frameworks and the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, not a specific legal instrument for naval patrols in the Palk Strait.
Consider the following statements regarding Connectivity initiatives: Jaffna-Chennai air link and ferry services:
1. The Kankesanthurai port development project was funded through a grant from the Asian Development Bank, which also facilitated the commencement of the passenger ferry service in 2023.
2. The resumption of the Chennai-Jaffna air route in 2022 followed the signing of a bilateral memorandum of understanding that established a permanent maritime boundary in the Gulf of Mannar.
3. The passenger ferry service connecting Nagapattinam to Colombo was established in 2023 to reduce the transit time for pilgrims visiting the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kankesanthurai port project was developed through a $45 million grant from the Government of India, not the Asian Development Bank. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Chennai-Jaffna air route was resumed in 2022 under the Open Skies policy and bilateral air services agreements, not a maritime boundary treaty. Statement 3 is incorrect as the ferry service connects Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai (not Colombo) and was launched to boost tourism and cultural ties, not specifically to reduce transit time for pilgrims to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.
Consider the following statements regarding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) history:
1. The proposed CEPA framework aimed to expand upon the ISFTA by incorporating provisions for trade in services, investment, and technical cooperation.
2. During the 2005 summit, the two nations signed the CEPA document, but the implementation was delayed due to the subsequent global financial crisis of 2008.
3. The Comprehensive Economic and Technology Partnership Agreement (ETCA) was signed in 2015 as a direct replacement for the CEPA, following the total repeal of the 1998 ISFTA by the Sri Lankan parliament.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as CEPA was designed to broaden the 1998 India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) by including services, investment, and technical cooperation. Statement 2 is incorrect because CEPA was never signed; negotiations concluded in 2008 but were stalled due to strong domestic opposition in Sri Lanka regarding fears of Indian economic dominance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) was proposed as a successor framework to CEPA, but it was never signed, and the 1998 ISFTA remains in force.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) status:
1. Sri Lanka grants duty-free access to India for 3,191 tariff lines under the ISFTA, covering a significant portion of the Harmonized System (HS) codes.
2. The ISFTA provides for a phased reduction of customs duties, and the tariff liberalization program for the sensitive list was completed by both countries in 2010.
3. Under the ISFTA framework, the two nations established a common currency peg in 2002 to reduce transaction costs for small and medium enterprises engaged in bilateral trade.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the ISFTA, operational since 2000, allows India duty-free access to over 3,000 tariff lines. Statement 2 is incorrect because the tariff liberalization program for the sensitive list has not been fully completed, and negotiations for an expanded Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) are still ongoing. Statement 3 is incorrect as there is no common currency peg between the two nations; bilateral trade is conducted in international currencies, and no such monetary integration exists under the ISFTA framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Devolution of power to the Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils:
1. The 1987 Accord contains a clause for the immediate dissolution of the Sri Lankan Parliament upon the formation of the North-East Provincial Council to ensure the transition of legislative authority.
2. The Provincial Councils Act of 1987 provides for the financial autonomy of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, allowing these councils to collect direct income tax from local industries established after the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement.
3. The Thirteenth Amendment includes provisions for the creation of a bicameral legislature in the Northern Province, consisting of a Provincial Assembly and a Senate, to represent the interests of minority communities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord aimed to devolve power via the 13th Amendment without dissolving the national Parliament; the Provincial Councils Act does not grant provincial councils the authority to levy direct income taxes, as fiscal powers remain centralized; and the 13th Amendment establishes a unicameral provincial council system rather than a bicameral legislature with a Senate.
Consider the following statements regarding Cultural diplomacy and the Buddhist Circuit initiative:
1. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord established the Joint Commission on Cultural Heritage, which oversees the annual allocation of scholarships for Sri Lankan students to study at the Nalanda University.
2. Under the 2003 Free Trade Agreement, India granted Sri Lanka preferential access to the Buddhist Circuit infrastructure projects, allowing Sri Lankan construction firms to bid on state-funded road developments in Bihar.
3. The Buddhist Circuit initiative, launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014, identifies Sarnath and Kushinagar as key nodes for enhancing connectivity with Sri Lankan pilgrimage tourism.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Ministry of Tourism launched the Buddhist Circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15, explicitly aiming to boost pilgrimage tourism in sites like Sarnath and Kushinagar. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord focused on ending the ethnic conflict and did not establish a Joint Commission on Cultural Heritage for Nalanda University scholarships. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2003 Free Trade Agreement covers trade in goods and services, and does not contain provisions granting Sri Lankan firms preferential access to infrastructure projects in Bihar.
Consider the following statements regarding Katchatheevu Island sovereignty dispute:
1. The Katchatheevu issue was referred to the International Court of Justice in 1975 by the Government of India, resulting in a joint administrative council for the island's fisheries.
2. The 1921 boundary demarcation between the Madras Presidency and the Ceylon government established the median line as the basis for sovereignty, which was later reaffirmed in the 1974 treaty.
3. Under the 1976 Maritime Boundary Agreement, India and Sri Lanka established a joint maritime patrol zone in the Palk Bay, which allows for the shared regulation of fishing vessels from both nations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Katchatheevu issue was settled through bilateral agreements in 1974 and 1976, not the International Court of Justice. The 1921 demarcation was based on historical claims and administrative control rather than a median line, and the 1974/1976 treaties actually ceded the island to Sri Lanka while explicitly restricting Indian fishing rights. Furthermore, there is no 'joint maritime patrol zone' established by these agreements; instead, the 1976 treaty demarcated the maritime boundary, effectively prohibiting Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters.
Consider the following statements regarding Energy grid interconnection and renewable energy projects:
1. India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement in 2024 to implement hybrid renewable energy systems in the islands of Nainativu, Delft, and Analaitivu off the Jaffna peninsula.
2. The 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Energy allows for the joint exploration of offshore oil and gas blocks in the Mannar Basin as a prerequisite for the grid interconnection project.
3. The Sampur Solar Power Project is being implemented through a joint venture between the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of India and the Ceylon Electricity Board.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement in March 2024 to implement hybrid renewable energy systems in the three islands off Jaffna. Statement 3 is correct because the Sampur Solar Power Project is indeed a joint venture between India's NTPC and the Ceylon Electricity Board, aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka's energy security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2015 MoU focused on general energy cooperation and grid connectivity, but it does not mandate offshore oil and gas exploration in the Mannar Basin as a prerequisite for the grid project.
Consider the following statements regarding India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission mechanisms:
1. The India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries was formed to address issues related to the Palk Bay region and the detention of fishermen by respective maritime authorities.
2. The 1974 Agreement on the Boundary in Historic Waters between India and Sri Lanka resulted in the ceding of Katchatheevu island to the Sri Lankan side.
3. The India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission holds ministerial-level meetings on a biennial basis, with the inaugural session held in Colombo in 1990 to formalize the repatriation of refugees.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Joint Working Group on Fisheries was established in 2016 to address the long-standing Palk Bay fishing dispute and the detention of fishermen. Statement 2 is correct because the 1974 maritime boundary agreement formally recognized Katchatheevu as part of Sri Lankan territory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was established in 1992, not 1990, and it serves as a broad framework for bilateral cooperation rather than being specifically tasked with the repatriation of refugees.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance:
1. During the 2019 post-cyclone recovery efforts, India utilized the SAARC Disaster Management Centre's dedicated communication network to coordinate the delivery of 500 tons of food aid to the Eastern Province.
2. The 2015 bilateral agreement on disaster management allows for the permanent stationing of Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel at the Bandaranaike International Airport for rapid regional deployment.
3. The 2011 maritime security protocol between the two nations includes provisions for the automatic integration of Sri Lankan search and rescue operations into the Indian Ocean Region Information Fusion Centre (IOR-IFC).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because they describe non-existent or factually distorted agreements. Statement 1 is false as India's disaster relief to Sri Lanka is typically coordinated through bilateral channels or the Indian Navy's HADR missions rather than a SAARC network for 500 tons of food. Statement 2 is incorrect because there is no bilateral agreement permitting the permanent stationing of NDRF personnel on Sri Lankan soil, as this would violate sovereignty concerns. Statement 3 is inaccurate because while Sri Lanka engages in maritime cooperation with India, there is no protocol for the 'automatic integration' of its search and rescue operations into the IOR-IFC, which functions primarily as a regional maritime domain awareness hub.
Consider the following statements regarding Energy grid interconnection and renewable energy projects:
1. Adani Green Energy Limited has been granted approval for wind power projects in Mannar and Pooneryn with an estimated investment of 442 million USD.
2. The Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation held its fifth meeting in 2022 to review the progress of the Sampur Solar Power Project.
3. The 2022 India-Sri Lanka Energy Cooperation Roadmap encompasses the conversion of the Palaly airport infrastructure into a regional hub for renewable energy storage and distribution.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Sri Lankan Board of Investment approved Adani Green Energy's $442 million wind power projects in Mannar and Pooneryn in 2023. Statement 2 is correct because the fifth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation was held in 2022, specifically focusing on the 100 MW Sampur Solar Power Project. Statement 3 is incorrect because the India-Sri Lanka Energy Cooperation Roadmap focuses on grid interconnection and renewable energy projects like the Sampur Solar plant, and it does not involve converting Palaly airport into a renewable energy hub.
Consider the following statements regarding Indian Housing Project in Northern and Eastern provinces:
1. The fourth phase of the project, announced in 2019, shifted the focus toward the construction of multi-story apartment complexes in Colombo to address urban housing shortages in the Eastern province.
2. Under the owner-driven model of the project, beneficiaries were provided with financial assistance in four installments linked to the physical progress of construction.
3. The third phase of the project, launched in 2016, specifically focused on the construction of 4,000 houses for the plantation workers in the Central and Uva provinces.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the project utilized an owner-driven model where financial assistance was disbursed in four installments based on construction milestones. Statement 3 is correct because the third phase, launched in 2016, specifically targeted the construction of 4,000 houses for plantation workers in the Central and Uva provinces. Statement 1 is incorrect because the multi-story apartment project in Colombo was a separate initiative under the Indian Housing Project, not intended to address housing shortages in the Eastern province, which primarily focused on individual house construction.
Consider the following statements regarding Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project implications:
1. The Sethusamudram project was formally integrated into the India-Sri Lanka Joint Maritime Commission in 2008, which provides a framework for the two nations to share the operational revenue generated by the canal.
2. The 1974 maritime boundary agreement includes a specific clause that allows India to undertake dredging operations in the Palk Bay without prior consultation with the Sri Lankan Ministry of External Affairs.
3. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the project, submitted in 2004, concluded that the dredging process would increase the fish population in the Gulf of Mannar by facilitating the migration of deep-sea species through the canal.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect: The Sethusamudram project is an internal Indian infrastructure initiative and was never integrated into a bilateral revenue-sharing commission with Sri Lanka. The 1974 maritime boundary agreement mandates mutual cooperation and respect for sovereignty, meaning India cannot unilaterally undertake dredging in the Palk Bay without diplomatic coordination. Furthermore, the 2004 Environmental Impact Assessment faced significant criticism from marine biologists, who warned that dredging would likely destroy the fragile coral reefs and biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar, rather than facilitate fish migration.
Consider the following statements regarding Devolution of power to the Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils:
1. Article 154G of the Sri Lankan Constitution outlines the procedure for the devolution of powers, including the legislative and executive competencies transferred to the Provincial Councils.
2. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, enacted in 1987, established the Provincial Councils system as a measure to devolve power to the island's nine provinces.
3. The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of July 1987 facilitated the merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces into a single administrative unit, which remained in effect until the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka de-merged them in 2006.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Article 154G provides the constitutional framework for the devolution of powers to Provincial Councils, while the 13th Amendment, introduced following the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, formally established the provincial system to address Tamil aspirations. The Northern and Eastern Provinces were temporarily merged under the Accord to create a single administrative unit, but this merger was subsequently declared invalid by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 2006, leading to their formal de-merger.
Consider the following statements regarding Human rights concerns and UNHRC resolution voting patterns:
1. The 2009 UNHRC special session on Sri Lanka resulted in a resolution that established an international tribunal to prosecute war crimes, which India supported during the final vote.
2. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord included provisions for the merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces, and this merger was subsequently ratified by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court in 1990.
3. The 1964 Sirima-Shastri Pact provided for the granting of Sri Lankan citizenship to 300,000 people of Indian origin, and this specific quota was fully processed by the Sri Lankan government before the 1974 follow-up agreement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2009 UNHRC resolution praised Sri Lanka's efforts and did not establish an international tribunal, and India voted in favor of the resolution supporting the Sri Lankan government. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the 1987 Accord mandated the merger, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court declared the merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces illegal in 2006, not 1990. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1964 Pact provided for the repatriation of 525,000 people of Indian origin to India and the granting of citizenship to 300,000, but the process was slow and remained incomplete by the 1974 follow-up agreement.