Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 173

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -173

1. With reference to the recent BRICS discussions on technology and critical minerals, consider the following statements:

1. Concentration of critical-mineral supply chains can create strategic vulnerabilities for importing countries.
2. India proposed a BRICS Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices.
3. India's approach favours complete economic self-sufficiency and withdrawal from global supply chains.
4. Access to semiconductors and digital technologies can influence a country's strategic autonomy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. India warned that excessive dependence on concentrated technology and critical-mineral supply chains can expose countries to economic disruption and strategic pressure. It highlighted a proposed BRICS Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence for best-practice sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because India's stated approach favours diversified and dependable supply chains, not economic isolation or complete self-sufficiency. Elimination clue: Strategic autonomy should not be confused with autarky. A country can reduce excessive dependence while continuing international trade through multiple reliable partners.

2. Consider the following initiatives highlighted by India in the context of BRICS:

1. Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases
2. Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework
3. Agricultural Research Platform
4. Cooperation in precision farming and digital agriculture

Which of the above are mentioned in the summaries?

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

Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation: All four are mentioned. India advocated an Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases, a Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework and a BRICS Agricultural Research Platform. Cooperation in agricultural biotechnology, digital agriculture and precision farming was also emphasised. These initiatives reflect a broader understanding of security that includes health, food, climate and economic resilience rather than territorial defence alone. Elimination clue: The common theme connecting all four initiatives is resilience against transnational risks. Pandemics, supply-chain disruptions and food-security problems cannot always be addressed effectively by individual countries acting alone.

3. With reference to the proposed BRICS grain trading platform, consider the following statements: