UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India’s WTO fisheries ratification: A pragmatic step, with more to negotiate
Q1. With reference to the prohibitions of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in force as of 2026, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The Agreement disciplines subsidies to aquaculture and inland capture fisheries where such subsidies contribute to overcapacity.
- A subsidy for fishing an overfished stock is not prohibited if the subsidy or other measures are implemented to rebuild that stock to a biologically sustainable level.
- The prohibition on subsidies for fishing on the high seas applies only to fishing outside the competence of any relevant regional fisheries management organisation or arrangement.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 1, 2 and 3
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 3 only
Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Although the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force in September 2025, its prohibitions became binding on India only when India deposited its instrument of acceptance in 2026.
- Under the Marrakesh Agreement, an amendment that alters Members' rights and obligations takes effect, on acceptance by two-thirds of Members, for the accepting Members, and thereafter for each other Member only upon its own acceptance.
- 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
Q3. With reference to special and differential treatment (S&DT) under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- For a limited period after entry into force, subsidies given by developing country Members for fishing up to and within their exclusive economic zones are exempt from dispute-settlement action under the IUU prohibition.
- The time-bound exemption for developing country Members extends equally to subsidies for their vessels fishing on the high seas beyond national jurisdiction.
- A voluntary funding mechanism under the Agreement provides technical assistance and capacity building to developing and least-developed country Members to implement its disciplines.
- A. 1 only
- B. 1 and 3 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q4. With reference to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and its treatment under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A vessel flagged to a State that is not party to a regional fisheries management organisation can be engaged in unregulated fishing in that organisation's area even if it breaks no law of its flag State.
- Catch that is misreported to the relevant national authority in breach of national rules counts as IUU fishing even if the vessel was licensed to fish in those waters.
- The determination that triggers the subsidy ban for IUU fishing may be made by a coastal Member, a flag State Member or a relevant regional fisheries management organisation.
- A. 3 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 and 2 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q5. Consider the following assertion: India's acceptance of Phase 1 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies imposed limited immediate costs on its fisheries support programmes. Which of the statements given below support/supports the above assertion?
- Phase 1 does not discipline subsidies for fuel, gear, ice and vessel construction, which are central to Indian state support for fishers.
- The Agreement applies to marine wild capture fishing and excludes aquaculture and inland fisheries from its scope.
- India's acceptance automatically extended the developing-country transition period under the Agreement to 25 years for Indian fishers.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3