One who cannot die -

 

 

Read the passage carefully and select the best answer to each question out of the given four alternatives.

The conclusion of World Trade Organization’s 11th biennial ministerial conference at Buenos Aires was worrisome. From an Indian standpoint, there was no loss as status quo continues in the most important issue: the right to continue the food security programme by using support prices. But the inability of the negotiators to reach even one substantive outcome suggests that WTO’s efficacy is under question. As a 164-country multilateral organisation dedicated to crafting rules of trade through consensus, WTO represents the optimal bet for developing countries such as India. Strengthening WTO is in India’s best interest.

Perhaps the biggest threat to WTO’s efficacy today is the attitude of the US. The world’s largest economy appears to have lost faith in the organisation and has begun to undermine one of its most successful segments, the dispute redressal mechanism. This is significant as the US has been directly involved in nearly half of all cases brought to WTO. Separately, large groups of countries decided to pursue negotiations on e-commerce, investment facilitation and removal of trade obstacles for medium and small scale industries. By itself this should not weaken WTO. But it comes at a time when there is growing frustration with gridlock at WTO.

India did well to defend its position on its food security programme. The envisaged reform package which will see a greater use of direct cash transfers to beneficiaries will be in sync with what developed countries do. But it’s important for India to enhance its efforts to reinvigorate WTO. In this context, India’s plan to organise a meeting of some countries early next year is a step in the right direction. WTO represents the best available platform to accommodate interests of a diverse set of nations. Therefore, India should be at the forefront of moves to fortify it.

Why was the WTO’s 11th binennial ministerial conference worrisome?

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

Election was an ‘opinion minus democracy’ in which the innocent and helpless (people were pitted among) government’s muscle power State machinery.

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

According to an official spokesperson, polling was held amid tight security arrangements in 29 municipal councils and panchayats (over the State).

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

A new chapter (may been put forth) that India gained Independence only in the last one year and not in 1947.

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

It nuances the larger debate on whether such votes should override the will of the legislature, (or guided it further).

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

Whatever said and done, (not less vital) is the future of the border separating Northern Ireland from the Irish Republic.

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

(They have hold), it is in the fitness of things that the legislature should be taken into confidence on Brexit.

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

(As soon after the players arrived) in decorated cars, the ceremony began with traditional African drummers and dancers blowing conch shells.