Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 127

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -127

Q1. With reference to retrospective environmental clearances, consider the following statements:

1. Prior environmental clearance is based on the preventive nature of environmental law.
2. Routine post-facto approval may weaken deterrence against environmental violations.
3. Every project operating without prior clearance must necessarily be closed immediately, irrespective of public interest.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Environmental clearance is meant to assess ecological risks before a project starts. Routine retrospective approval may encourage industries to violate rules first and seek regularisation later. Statement 3 is too absolute. The Supreme Court left limited scope for a narrowly designed, legally supported amnesty where an overriding public interest exists. Such exceptions must remain transparent and time-bound. Elimination clue: words such as “every” and “necessarily” often indicate an excessive statement. The key principle is that post-facto approval must remain exceptional, not become a substitute for prior assessment.

Q2. The proposed U.S. tariffs on countries importing Russian crude oil primarily represent

(a) direct military intervention.
(b) secondary economic sanctions targeting third-country trade relations.
(c) a multilateral decision of the United Nations Security Council.
(d) a compulsory global energy-sharing arrangement.

Correct Answer: (b)