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 being technological progress and physical productivity under their control. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statement?

1. A. (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement- II is incorrect
4. D. (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: C

Explanation

The United States and the European Union did indeed launch the ‘Trade and Technology Council’ (TTC) recently to coordinate approaches on key global trade, economic, and technology issues. This makes Statement I correct. However, the stated objective of the TTC is not to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control. Instead, it aims to ensure that trade and technology serve their societies and economies, uphold common values, strengthen leadership, and expand bilateral trade and investment. The phrasing in Statement II suggests a more restrictive and controlling intent, which is not aligned with the publicly declared goals of the TTC. Therefore, Statement II is incorrect. This question assesses knowledge of recent developments in international diplomacy and trade, relevant for UPSC International Relations.