Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Technology Council'. Statement-II : The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
B
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
C
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Correct answer
D
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Statement-I is correct as the US-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was launched in 2021 to coordinate on global trade, economic, and technology issues based on shared democratic values. Statement-II is incorrect because the council’s official mandate focuses on cooperation, supply chain resilience, and setting international standards rather than asserting "control" over technological progress or physical productivity. Option (a) is the most tempting wrong choice as it assumes a strategic dominance motive, but it is factually inaccurate regarding the TTC's stated objectives. The core concept tested is the understanding of contemporary international bilateral frameworks and their specific policy mandates.
International RelationsUS-EU Trade and Technology CouncilUnited States of America (USA)European Union (EU)Trade and Technology Counciltechnological progressphysical productivitycontrol