2023 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I

Question 94: International Relations and Current Affairs

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-IIsrael has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
  2. Statement-IIThe 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Statement I is correct: Israel has established diplomatic relations with Arab States such as Egypt and Jordan earlier, and in 2020 and after with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco under the Abraham Accords. Statement II is wrong: the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 was proposed by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Arab League; Israel did not sign it. It offered normalisation in return for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and a Palestinian State.

  • I. Israel has relations with Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco.
  • II. Israel did not sign the Arab Peace Initiative.

How you could have got this

If you were sure Statement-I is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

What you needed to know: Israel has relations with Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Statement II is false, so it cannot explain Statement I.
  • (b) Statement II is false, so 'both correct' fails.
  • (c) Correct: Statement I is true, Statement II is false.
  • (d) Statement I is true, so this reverses the position.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.