Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 184

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -184

Q1. Energy Security and Strategic Autonomy

With reference to India's energy security, consider the following statements:

1. High dependence on imported crude can expose India to geopolitical and external price shocks.
2. Diversification of crude suppliers can reduce concentration risk but cannot completely eliminate global oil-price risk.
3. Strategic autonomy requires India to purchase energy exclusively from countries with which it has formal strategic partnerships.
4. Disruption in major maritime chokepoints can make rapid substitution between oil suppliers difficult.

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) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: The supplied Indian Express summary connects sanctions on Russian energy with India's high crude-import dependence and simultaneous West Asian supply risks. INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 25 SEP , -… Statements 1, 2 and 4 are therefore consistent with its analysis. Statement 3 is incorrect because strategic autonomy does not mean restricting trade to formal strategic partners. Rather, it requires sufficient policy choices to protect national interests. Hidden trap: diversification reduces dependence on one supplier, but India can still remain exposed to global prices, shipping disruptions and exchange-rate movements. Long-term resilience therefore requires diversified suppliers, strategic reserves and reduced structural dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Q2. Cauvery Dispute and Cooperative Federalism

Consider the following statements regarding inter-State river-water governance:

1. Rainfall variability can make implementation of predetermined water-sharing arrangements difficult.
2. Inter-State river disputes involve only legal questions and not hydrological conditions.
3. Transparent hydrological data can improve implementation of water-sharing arrangements.
4. Basin-level planning is compatible with cooperative federalism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(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: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only