Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 131

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -131

1. With reference to the Cauvery dispute, consider the following statements:

1. Improved rainfall can reduce immediate tension but does not remove structural water-sharing issues.
2. Inter-State river management should rely mainly on political mobilisation by riparian States.
3. Distress-sharing mechanisms become more important when monsoon variability increases.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Better rainfall may temporarily improve reservoir levels and reduce pressure over releases, but the underlying dispute remains. Climate variability makes agreed distress-sharing rules, transparent reservoir data and efficient irrigation more important. Statement 2 is incorrect because political mobilisation cannot create additional water and may deepen regional tension. Elimination clue: institutional water-sharing arrangements are designed precisely to reduce unilateral political action. The larger principle is cooperative federalism supported by science, legal mechanisms and predictable burden-sharing.

2. The recent U.S.-Israel restraint towards Iran is strategically significant mainly because it:

(a) permanently resolves all disputes in West Asia.
(b) creates space for negotiations after a period of military escalation.
(c) eliminates the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) ends Iran’s security concerns automatically.

Correct Answer: (b)