UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — List of Outcomes: State Visit of President of the Swiss Confederation to India

Q1. With reference to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and India's trade agreement with it, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. EFTA is an intergovernmental grouping set up to promote free trade and economic integration among its members, and it is distinct from the European Union.
  2. Tariff concessions that India grants under its agreement with EFTA automatically apply to goods originating in member states of the European Union.
  3. India's Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with EFTA is India's first free trade agreement with a group of developed European countries.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q2. With reference to the constitutional framework under which India enters into and implements international agreements, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The executive power of the Union extends to exercising the rights, authority and jurisdiction that the Government of India has by virtue of a treaty or agreement.
  2. Parliament may make a law to implement a treaty even if the law deals with a subject in the State List.
  3. Parliament's power to legislate for implementing international obligations covers only treaties with other countries, not decisions made at international conferences or bodies.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The India–Switzerland MoU on Migration and Mobility Partnership could be signed by the Union executive without first obtaining Parliament's approval.
  2. The Constitution of India requires prior parliamentary approval for every agreement that the Union executive concludes with a foreign country.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. With reference to the migration and mobility instruments signed between India and Switzerland in 2026, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A five-year multiple-entry visa under the Migration and Mobility Partnership allows the holder to remain in Switzerland continuously for the full five years.
  2. The annual quota under the Young Professionals Agreement applies separately to each of the two countries.
  3. Taking up a placement under the Young Professionals Agreement places the participant on a route to permanent residence in the host country.
  4. Under the Migration and Mobility Partnership, action against trafficking and exploitation is to be pursued in accordance with the national laws of the parties.
  • A. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4 only

Q5. Two countries that earlier shared tax information only on specific request under their tax treaty begin exchanging financial account information automatically every year under the Common Reporting Standard. Which one of the following is the most likely consequence?

  • A. Account holders must file their returns in the country where the bank is located
  • B. Bank secrecy offers less cover to undisclosed accounts held by non-residents
  • C. The source country loses its right to tax income arising within its own territory
  • D. Taxation of the same income by both countries becomes unavoidable for residents

Q6. In 2024, India's imports from Switzerland were about USD 25 billion, consisting mostly of gold bullion, while its exports to Switzerland were below USD 2 billion. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

  1. A sustained fall in Indian demand for imported physical gold would narrow India's bilateral trade deficit with Switzerland.
  2. Swiss companies have invested more in India than Indian companies have invested in Switzerland.
  3. Indian goods are uncompetitive in Swiss markets across all major sectors of manufacturing.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. With reference to India's policy response to large gold imports, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Sovereign Gold Bonds offer an instrument linked to the price of gold so that savers can hold gold exposure without importing physical gold.
  2. Raising the customs duty on gold imports tends to widen India's current account deficit.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2