Question map
The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the
Explanation
The correct answer is option C - World Trade Organization (WTO).
The Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is an international treaty of the WTO that was negotiated during the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and entered into force with the establishment of the WTO in 1995.[1] The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the "SPS Agreement") entered into force with the establishment of the World Trade Organization on 1 January 1995.[2] The SPS Agreement sets out the basic rules for food safety and animal and plant health standards.[2]
The 'peace clause' said that no country would be legally barred from food security programmes (in case of India it is procurement by FCI at MSP and its distribution through PDS) even if the subsidy breached the limits (10%) specified in the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. The "peace clause" was an interim measure which prevents any WTO member from challenging any developing country for crossing the 10% subsidy cap.[3] All three terms are therefore directly associated with WTO agreements and provisions related to international trade in agriculture and food safety standards.
Sources- [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE > p. 350
- [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.5.1Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures > p. 380
- [3] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Total Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) and De-minimis level: > p. 382
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a 'Sitter' question. These terms are the alphabet of the WTO chapter in any standard Indian Economy textbook (Singhania, Vivek Singh, or Ramesh Singh). If you missed this, your static core preparation has a fatal gap. It requires zero current affairs if you have read the basic static theory of International Organizations.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Are the "Agreement on Agriculture", the "Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures", and the "Peace Clause" agreements or provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
- Statement 2: Are the "Agreement on Agriculture", the "Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures", and the "Peace Clause" agreements or provisions of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)?
- Statement 3: Are the "Agreement on Agriculture", the "Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures", and the "Peace Clause" agreements or provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
- Statement 4: Are the "Agreement on Agriculture", the "Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures", and the "Peace Clause" agreements or provisions of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)?
- Explicitly names the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and states it entered into force with the establishment of the WTO on 1 Jan 1995.
- Describes SPS as the WTO instrument setting rules for food, animal and plant health standards, showing it is a WTO agreement.
- States the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is an international treaty of the WTO and entered into force with the WTO in 1995.
- Explains AoA's objectives and pillars (domestic support, market access, export subsidy), linking it clearly to WTO disciplines.
- Defines the 'peace clause' in the context of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture as an interim measure protecting developing countries' food-security programmes from legal challenge.
- Specifies the peace clause's scope (subsidy cap exceptions) and temporal nature, indicating it is a WTO-related provision rather than unrelated terminology.
- Explicitly names the sanitary and phytosanitary instrument as a WTO agreement, tying it to WTO bodies (SPS Committee), not to the FAO.
- References to Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Article provisions indicate this is a WTO legal instrument and implementation mechanism.
- Describes the 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)' as an agreement governing food safety and animal/plant health regulations, indicating a trade-related instrument.
- Text frames SPS as a standalone international agreement on sanitary/phytosanitary measures, not as an FAO internal provision.
- Refers explicitly to 'the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture', identifying Agreement on Agriculture as a WTO instrument rather than an FAO agreement.
- Mentions FAO only in the context of analysis/studies about impacts, not as the author or host of the Agreement itself.
States the SPS Agreement entered into force with the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 1 January 1995 and defines its rules on food/animal/plant health standards.
A student could use this to infer the SPS Agreement is a WTO instrument (not FAO) and verify by checking WTO foundational documents or the 1995 Uruguay Round context.
Explicitly describes the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) as an international treaty of the WTO negotiated in the Uruguay Round and effective with WTO's establishment in 1995.
A student can extend this to conclude AoA belongs to WTO rather than FAO, by checking AoA text or WTO treaty lists.
Explains the 'peace clause' as an interim measure preventing WTO members from challenging developing countries for breaching WTO Agreement on Agriculture subsidy limits.
One can infer the peace clause is tied to the WTO AoA (thus WTO domain), and confirm by reviewing WTO ministerial/trade policy records.
Shows FAO (with WHO) established Codex Alimentarius, but also notes the WTO SPS Agreement recognises Codex standards as references for trade disputes.
A student could use this to distinguish roles: FAO produces standards (Codex) while WTO (via SPS) uses them—suggesting SPS/AoA/peace clause are WTO instruments that reference FAO outputs.
Presents a multiple-choice question listing the three terms and asking in which organization's affairs they appear, implying a correct association among major international bodies (FAO vs WTO).
A student can note this exam framing and cross-check which option (WTO vs FAO) is historically and contextually correct using basic knowledge of international trade institutions.
This multiple-choice item groups those three terms and asks in which international forum they appear, implying they are associated with a specific organization (one option is WTO).
A student could note the question format and check which option (WTO) is commonly linked to trade-related agreements to judge if they belong to UNFCCC or another body.
Explicitly states the 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures' entered into force with the establishment of the World Trade Organization on 1 January 1995 and describes its rules.
A student can infer this agreement is a WTO instrument (not a UNFCCC provision) and thus likely unrelated to UNFCCC texts.
Explains the 'peace clause' as an interim measure preventing WTO members from challenging developing-country food subsidies under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.
A student can extend this to conclude the 'peace clause' functions within WTO agricultural subsidy rules, making it unlikely to be a UNFCCC provision.
Describes the SPS Agreement as prevailing under the WTO to address food safety and health standards and related trade concerns.
A student can use this to reinforce that SPS is a trade agreement under WTO rather than a climate convention instrument.
Gives an example of how agriculture is addressed inside the UNFCCC (Koronivia decision), showing UNFCCC handles agriculture through its own COP decisions rather than by WTO agreements.
A student could contrast WTO agricultural agreements with Koronivia to judge that WTO 'Agreement on Agriculture' and related clauses are distinct from UNFCCC provisions.
- Identifies the 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)' as an agreement concerning food safety and animal and plant health regulations, in the context of TRIPS/WTO matters rather than UNEP.
- Places the SPS Agreement in a trade/health regulatory context (TRIPS implementation), implying it is not a UNEP instrument.
- Mentions the 'SPS Agreement' alongside other WTO agreements (e.g., SCM Agreement, TBT Agreement), indicating it is part of the WTO framework.
- Shows these instruments are trade agreements referenced in legal/treaty discussion, not UNEP provisions.
This multiple-choice item groups those terms with an international organization and lists 'World Trade Organization' as an option, implying these terms are associated with a trade body rather than UNEP.
A student could check which organization from the options is correct (WTO) by consulting basic references on international trade institutions.
States the SPS Agreement 'entered into force with the establishment of the World Trade Organization on 1 January 1995', directly linking SPS to the WTO.
Use the fact that SPS is a WTO agreement to exclude UNEP by checking UNEP's mandate versus WTO's trade mandate on a world-institutions map.
Explains the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is an international treaty of the WTO and entered into force with the WTO in 1995.
Given AoA is a WTO treaty, a student can infer it is unlikely to be a UNEP instrument and verify by consulting lists of WTO agreements.
Defines the 'peace clause' as related to the WTO Agreement on Agriculture and developing-country subsidy limits, tying it to WTO dispute/commitment rules.
Combine this with knowledge that peace clause addresses WTO subsidy rules to rule out UNEP as the originating body.
Notes the SPS Agreement recognises Codex standards (a FAO/WHO body) as references for trade disputes, reinforcing that SPS operates within a trade/food-standards framework rather than UNEP's environmental mandate.
A student can use the Codex–WTO link plus UNEP's described environmental remit to judge that these are not UNEP provisions.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from standard texts like Nitin Singhania (Ch 9/18) or Vivek Singh (Ch 13).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'External Sector' module, specifically the vocabulary of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and India's negotiation stance.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the sibling WTO terms: TRIPS, TRIMS, GATS, Amber/Blue/Green Box, De Minimis levels, Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM), Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and MFN status.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: UPSC tests 'Institutional Vocabulary'. Do not just read what the WTO *does*; memorize the specific *names* of the agreements it administers. Create a 'Term-to-Institution' mapping table for IMF, WB, WTO, and UNFCCC.
The SPS Agreement is directly named and described in the references as entering into force with the WTO and setting science-based rules for food/animal/plant health.
High-yield for UPSC questions linking trade, health standards and international institutions. Understanding SPS helps answer questions on trade barriers, technical standards, Codex relevance and dispute settlement. Prepare by studying the SPS scope, science-basis, and relation to Codex standards.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.5.1Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures > p. 380
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Codex Alimentarius > p. 338
AoA is identified as a WTO treaty with explicit pillars (domestic support, market access, export subsidies) and classification of subsidies (e.g., Green/Amber).
Frequently tested in Economy/Agriculture papers on subsidies, MSP, and WTO obligations. Mastering AoA enables analysis of trade-distorting support, policy options for food security, and related dispute issues. Study AoA's pillars, subsidy boxes, and links to domestic policy debates.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE > p. 350
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.5.2Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) > p. 381
The 'peace clause' is described as an interim WTO measure tied to the Agreement on Agriculture, preventing legal challenges to certain subsidies for developing countries.
Important for questions on WTO disputes, developing-country flexibilities and food-security policy. Knowing the peace clause clarifies temporary vs. permanent WTO mechanisms and negotiation timelines; review its purpose, scope, and expiry context.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Total Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) and De-minimis level: > p. 382
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE > p. 350
The statement mentions the 'Agreement on Agriculture'; the references identify AoA as an international treaty negotiated in the Uruguay Round that entered into force with the WTO.
High-yield for UPSC because AoA is central to questions on global agricultural trade reform, domestic support/subsidy policies, and India's trade diplomacy. It links to domestic agriculture policy (subsidies, MSP, PDS) and multilateral negotiations. Prepare by learning AoA's pillars (domestic support, market access, export subsidies), its origin (Uruguay Round), and common exam instances (subsidy disputes, policy space for developing countries).
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE > p. 350
The SPS Agreement is explicitly identified as a WTO agreement on food/plant/animal health standards; Codex (FAO/WHO) standards are cited as reference standards under the SPS framework.
Important for questions on food safety vs. trade restriction, international standards, and dispute settlement (how scientific standards like Codex are used in WTO). Master the SPS purpose (science-based measures, non-discrimination), the role of Codex Alimentarius, and interactions between FAO/WHO standard-setting and WTO enforcement—useful for policy, trade and health intersections in mains/GS papers.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.5.1Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures > p. 380
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Codex Alimentarius > p. 338
References describe the 'peace clause' as an interim WTO measure linked to the Agreement on Agriculture, protecting certain developing-country food security programmes from WTO challenge.
Valuable for questions on India's food security policies and WTO constraints (e.g., MSP/FCI/PDS), and for understanding temporary vs permanent solutions in trade negotiations. Candidates should study its protective intent, timeline (interim nature, expiry expectations), and policy implications for subsidy limits—helps answer case-based and policy-evaluation questions.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Total Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) and De-minimis level: > p. 382
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE > p. 350
References identify the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) as entering into force with the World Trade Organization and setting food/animal/plant safety rules.
High-yield for UPSC: distinguishes trade-law instruments (WTO) from environment/climate treaties. Questions often probe intersections of trade, food safety, and international law; mastering SPS helps answer queries on non-tariff barriers, science-based standards, and dispute contexts. Prepare by studying key WTO agreements and case examples where SPS was invoked.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.5.1Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures > p. 380
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures > p. 545
Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM). It is the 'logical sibling' to the Peace Clause often found on the same page. While the Peace Clause protects subsidies, SSM allows developing countries to temporarily raise tariffs to protect farmers from import surges. Expect a question distinguishing SSM from Anti-Dumping Duties.
Linguistic Forensics: The word 'Agreement' (Agreement on Agriculture, SPS Agreement) usually denotes a binding trade treaty. FAO and UNEP typically produce 'Conventions', 'Protocols', or 'Goals'. Furthermore, 'Peace Clause' implies a dispute or truce—this legalistic language is characteristic of a litigious body like the WTO, not a technical body like the FAO.
Mains GS-3 (Agriculture & Economy): The 'Peace Clause' is the legal shield for India's National Food Security Act (NFSA). It allows the government to procure grains at MSP even if subsidies exceed the WTO's 10% limit. This connects International Trade Law directly to domestic hunger alleviation.