Daily Current Affairs Quiz: December 12, 2025

Answer: C [The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)]
Explanation:

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, and their fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, for sustainable agriculture and food security.

The TRIPS Agreement (Agreement on TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) is a broader agreement covering a wide range of IPRs.

The Budapest Treaty relates to the international recognition of the deposit of micro-organisms for the purposes of patent procedure.

The Madrid Protocol deals with the international registration of marks.

Answer: B [Only two ]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Complex technological issues require specialized knowledge, and a lack of such expertise within the judiciary can lead to misinterpretations or delays in IP cases.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While India has laws against counterfeit goods, the process of confiscation and destruction often requires robust evidence and adherence to legal procedures, and is not always swift or decisive without them.

Statement 3 is correct: The borderless nature of the internet and global trade makes it difficult to track down and hold accountable infringers operating from different jurisdictions.

Statement 4 is incorrect: While punitive measures exist, India’s IP laws also provide for various dispute resolution mechanisms, and the emphasis is not solely on punishment.

Statement 5 is incorrect: While efforts are being made to reduce costs, obtaining and enforcing IPRs can still be expensive, posing a barrier for many SMEs.

Answer: B [Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international treaty that provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications simultaneously in numerous countries. This significantly simplifies the process for inventors seeking global patent protection.

Statement 2 is correct: Although the PCT consolidates the initial filing, it does not grant an international patent. The patentability of an invention is ultimately determined by individual national or regional patent offices, which conduct their own substantive examinations.

Answer: B [Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The TRIPS Agreement indeed sets a minimum patent term of 20 years from the filing date, a key provision to encourage innovation. Statement 2 is correct: Post-patent grant, the ‘freedom to operate’ analysis is a vital strategic step for companies to assess potential infringement risks before commercialization, demonstrating the practical implications of IPR on further innovation.

Answer: D [1, 2 and 4 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: A patent provides the patent holder with exclusive rights for a specified period, allowing them to control the commercial exploitation of their invention. This is the fundamental purpose of patent law.

Statement 2 is correct: These are the standard criteria for patentability worldwide, including in India: novelty, inventive step (non-obviousness), and industrial applicability (utility).

Statement 3 is incorrect: Discoveries of scientific principles, abstract theories, mathematical methods, or schemes are explicitly excluded from patentability under most patent laws, including India’s, as they are considered discoveries rather than inventions.

Statement 4 is correct: The typical term for a patent in India is 20 years from the filing date, providing a limited period of exclusivity.