UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Trade unions, farm outfits oppose trade deals, labour codes

Q1. With reference to the four Labour Codes brought into effect in 2025 compared with the previous labour-law framework, consider the following statements: 1. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 subsumes the Trade Unions Act, 1926, which earlier governed registration of trade unions. 2. Under the new Code, a trade union with 51% of workers as members in an establishment is recognised as the sole Negotiating Union, a category absent from the earlier framework. 3. The Code on Wages, 2019 was notified in the Gazette earlier than the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 subsumes the Trade Unions Act, 1926, which earlier governed registration of trade unions.
  2. Under the new Code, a trade union with 51% of workers as members in an establishment is recognised as the sole Negotiating Union, a category absent from the earlier framework.
  3. The Code on Wages, 2019 was notified in the Gazette earlier than the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. How many existing Central labour laws have been rationalised and subsumed by the four Labour Codes brought into effect by the Union Government with effect from 21 November 2025?

  • A. 24
  • B. 29
  • C. 39
  • D. 44

Q3. Which one of the following is the first among the four Labour Codes to have been enacted and notified in the Official Gazette?

  • A. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020
  • B. The Code on Social Security, 2020
  • C. The Code on Wages, 2019
  • D. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

Q4. The four Labour Codes (Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security and OSH Code) brought into effect in November 2025 fall under the administrative jurisdiction of which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  • C. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • D. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
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