Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 168

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -168

1. With reference to India's Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), consider the following statements:

1. The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor connects JNPT near Mumbai with Dadri near Delhi.
2. The Eastern and Western DFCs together provide about 2,843 km of dedicated freight lines.
3. Average freight-train speeds on the DFCs are reported to be more than 50 kmph.
4. The National Rail Plan seeks to reduce rail's share in freight movement to below 20% by 2030.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. The completed 1,506-km Western DFC links JNPT with Dadri, while the Eastern DFC is 1,337 km long, giving about 2,843 km together. Around 426 freight trains reportedly operate daily, with average speeds exceeding 50 kmph. Statement 4 is incorrect because the National Rail Plan aims to increase rail's freight share from roughly 27% to 45% by 2030. Elimination clue: DFCs aim to shift freight towards rail by reducing transit time and logistics costs; therefore, a target to reduce rail's freight share contradicts their basic policy logic.

2. With reference to proposed pan-India safety standards for student hostels and PG accommodation, consider the following statements:

1. Structural stability and fire safety are among the areas requiring regulation.
2. Mandatory registration and periodic inspections can form part of a preventive safety framework.
3. National guidelines would necessarily eliminate the implementation role of States and urban local bodies.
4. Transparent compliance records can help students assess the safety status of accommodation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Following the fatal PG collapse in Delhi, the Supreme Court considered the need for wider safety standards concerning structural audits, fire safety, occupancy and regulation of student accommodation. A credible framework could include registration, inspections and transparent compliance information. Statement 3 is incorrect because minimum national benchmarks can coexist with implementation by States and local bodies. Elimination clue: in India's federal administrative system, uniform minimum standards need not mean centralised implementation. The larger problem identified in the source is weak and fragmented enforcement.