Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 132

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -132

1. With reference to electoral competition and the Bankipur by-election, consider the following statements:

1. Long-standing party strongholds can weaken when voters perceive governance failures.
2. Electoral success of a new political formation necessarily proves the end of identity politics.
3. Employment, migration and public-service delivery can become important electoral issues.

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. The Bankipur result indicates that even established electoral strongholds may become vulnerable when voters perceive complacency or inadequate governance. Issues such as unemployment, migration, education and healthcare can shape electoral behaviour. Statement 2 is incorrect because one election result cannot establish that caste, identity or traditional party loyalties have disappeared. Elimination clue: the word “necessarily” makes Statement 2 too absolute. The broader lesson is that electoral loyalty is conditional and can change when a new political formation connects local grievances with organisational credibility and a policy alternative.

2. In the context of the Cauvery dispute, a distress-sharing formula would be most relevant when:

(a) water availability is abundant and all allocations can be met easily.
(b) rainfall and reservoir inflows are inadequate to meet normal allocations.
(c) one riparian State claims complete ownership of the river.
(d) courts withdraw from all inter-State water disputes.

Correct Answer: (b)