Which of the following is ignored by the World Trade Organization?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Issues of worker’s right and child labour.
Option (1) Rules related to trade between nations. — Incorrect. Dealing with the global rules of trade between nations is the WTO’s main work; it sets these rules and settles disputes between members.
Option (2) Issues of worker’s right and child labour. — Correct. The WTO is criticised by those worried about free trade: it is said to widen the gap between rich and poor, and issues of health, worker’s rights, child labour and environment are ignored.
Option (3) Trade in services. — Incorrect. The WTO also covers trade in services, such as telecommunication and banking.
Option (4) Issues of intellectual property rights. — Incorrect. Other issues such as intellectual rights are covered by the WTO too.
NCERT (2025-26): “World Trade Organisation … WTO is the only international organisation dealing with the global rules of trade between nations. It sets the rules for the global trading system and resolves disputes between its member nations. WTO also covers trade in services, such as telecommunication and banking, and others issues such as intellectual rights.…” “World Trade Organisation … The WTO has however been criticised and opposed by those who are worried about the effects of free trade and economic globalisation. It is argued that free trade does not make ordinary people’s lives more prosperous. It is actually widening the gulf between rich and poor by making rich countries more rich. This is because the influential nations in the WTO focus on their own commercial interests. Moreover, many developed countries have not fully opened their markets to products from developing countries. It is also argued that issues of health, worker’s rights, child labour and environment are ignored.” |