Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 144

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -144

1. With reference to India’s demographic dividend and the idea of Viksit Bharat, consider the following statements:

1. A large working-age population automatically produces faster economic growth.
2. Alignment of education and skills with technological change is important for converting demographic potential into economic gains.
3. Employment opportunities in emerging sectors can supplement conventional government employment.
4. Institutional fairness in competitive examinations can influence young people’s confidence in upward mobility.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct. The Independence Day address linked youth aspirations with AI skills, competitive-examination coaching, sports and opportunities in startups, drones, electric vehicles and the bio-economy. Statement 1 is incorrect because demographic dividend is a potential benefit, not an automatic outcome. Elimination clue: a young population without adequate education, skills and employment can create social and economic pressures instead of a dividend. The broader policy challenge is to connect human-capital development with productive employment and credible institutions so that technological transformation produces genuine upward mobility.

2. With reference to the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat discussed in the Independence Day address, consider the following statements:

1. Self-reliance necessarily requires reducing India's participation in international trade.
2. Complete domestic value chains can reduce vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions.
3. Export competitiveness can coexist with strategic self-reliance.
4. Domestic capabilities in semiconductors, defence and energy can contribute to strategic autonomy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b)