Govt and Politics 1
In what year did Palestinians become legally and socially "stateless"?
1967
Where was the 2025 SEA Games held AND which country withdrew their athletes from there?
Cambodia withdrew their athletes from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
While the power in employer-employee relationships generally vary by sector and industry, what is the general understanding of who holds the power in employer-employee relationships?
The employee, though there is a slow regaining of leverage by employers.
Name 1 of the benefits of working from home, based on the BBC article. Cite the example given, if any.
1. Savings in time and money (from commutes)
2. Avoidance of workplace inefficiencies (like being unable to find a desk)
3. Retention and talent attraction for companies
What is 'protectionism'?
It refers to an economic policy of shielding one's local industries from foreign competition.
US$500,000 or S$653,000
What is 'populism'?
It is a political ideology that positions 'the people' as a morally just, good group in society.
OR
It's a political movement that claims to champion the common person and appeal to their concerns.
What are 1 reason for and 1 cost of Singapore's economic success in the last 60 years?
Reason - Foreign investment, meritoracy, work culture, enormous population growth
Costs - High stress levels, ageing population, low birth rate, housing crisis
Why has 'job hugging' become more prominent in Singapore?
1. Shifting compensation and biannual performance reviews, with opportunities for bonuses and raises.
2. Uncertainty of other opportunities, general gloomy economic sentiment.
3. Perceived 'job hugging' due to the increase in the number of PMETs and their lower resignation rates.
4. Statistics largely driven by the tech sector, who are experiencing industrywide realignment.
What is 'bellicose'?
It means to demonstrate aggression and willingness to fight.
What is 'Orchid Diplomacy'?
It is a form of soft power used to symbolise deep bilateral ties that Singapore has with other countries. It involves the naming of unique orchid hybrids after visiting dignitaries, heads of state and royalty.
What was Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution about?
It was a political movement that emerged in the 2014 Hong Kong protests where umbrellas were used as a defensive, non-violent way to counter police pepper spray. The protests came up due to the decision made by China to hold a selective pre-screening of candidates for the 2017 election of Hong Kong's chiefe executive.
Why are unemployment rates rising for those in their 30s?
1. Tech sector instability due to massive restructuring, which significantly impact people in this age range.
2. Not senior enough to be in an indispensable leadership role, but more expensive than younger workers.
3. Rapid adoption of AI changing the nature of work, resulting in job losses in task-heavy roles previously performed by people in their 30s.
Referring to either transport, energy, banks/financial services, retail industries or the local authorities, how was 2025 the year that business retreated from net zero?
Cars/Planes - Successful lobbying campaign for weaker regulations in the US/UK and EU
Energy - Cancellation of a renewable energy company in the UK, retreat by Europe's oil majors from their climate commitments
Banks/Fin. services - Collapse of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) in October after the departure of many US banks
Retail - Retailers have reduced emissions in stores but this was held back by suppliers
Local authorities - In the UK, some local councils have blocked renewables projects that threaten jobs.
What is 'quiet quitting'?
It is the practice of doing only what is specified in one's job description.
Name 2 key defining features of Gen Z riots around the world.
1. Involved the rebelling of tech savvy youngsters
2. Involved the use of social media for communication and mobilisation
3. Involves the fight against perceived inequality and corruption
4. Involves a rejection of traditional hierarchies through simple and inclusive slogans as well as viral campaigns.
To the closest whole number percentage, what was Finland's reported unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 74 in 2025?
10.3%, the highest rate since at least 2009
Why do economists hate Trump's tariff plan? Give 2 reasons stated by WSJ.
2. Job losses in downstream industries that rely on imports
3. Retaliation from other countries
4. Inefficient/Expensive way to create jobs
5. Economic impact of future proposals (higher costs and fewer jobs)
What DID economists get wrong about Trump's tariffs? Give 1 reason by Bloomberg.
1. Inflation has not come up due to firms not passing higher costs to consumers (no one wants to lose market share by raising prices first)
2. Consumer costs have also not gone up due to the same reason
3. Possible delayed impact due to AI boom and investment into data centres, which counteract the impact of the trade war
What are austerity measures?
It refers to strict economic policies implemented by governments to reduce public debt through things like spending cuts and/or tax increases.
Based on the article of Trump's coup in Venezuela, what did the author say was the difference between the coup and the invasion of Iraq?
The author claims that the US no longer felt a need to provide a legal or moral 'pretense' for its actions, citing just national interest instead.
What is 5.18?
5.18 refers to the Gwangju Massacre in May 1980, where citizens in Gwangju began an armed uprising afrer troops suppressed students protesting under the expansion of martial law under Chun Doo-hwan. It led to the deaths of hundred (possibly thousands) of civilians.
Why was it reported that there is hope for the rise of a green economy boom at the Africa Climate Summit?
20 countries broke records for the imports of solar panels in a one-year period ending on June 2025. Imports of photovoltaic equipemtn from China rose by 60% over the past year, from 9GW in 2024 to 15GW of capacity.
What is Creative Destruction?
It is the economic process where innovation continuously replaces older and less efficient industries, driving progress. It fosters economic growth while causing short-term disruptions such as job losses and business failures.
What are 'rank and file employees/workers'?
They refer to ordinary, non-management members or workers of an organisation.