Q1. With reference to India–Canada economic engagement, consider the following statements:

1. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) may cover trade in goods, services and investment.
2. India and Canada have expressed interest in negotiating a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
3. Canadian pension funds are significant institutional investors in India.
4. Asset monetisation necessarily involves the outright sale of public assets to foreign investors.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation

• Statement 1 — Correct: A CEPA can cover goods, services, investment and other areas.
• Statement 2 — Correct: India and Canada have expressed interest in negotiating a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
• Statement 3 — Correct: Canadian pension funds are significant institutional investors in India.
• Statement 4 — Incorrect: Asset monetisation means unlocking the economic value of existing public assets, often through leasing or concession arrangements; it does not necessarily involve outright sale to foreign investors.