Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 152

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -152

1. With reference to the ongoing India–China boundary negotiations, consider the following statements:

1.     The Special Representatives mechanism deals with the India-China boundary question.

2.     India maintains that peace and tranquillity along the border are prerequisites for normal bilateral relations.

3.     Economic engagement between India and China necessarily requires India to dilute its territorial position.

4.     India's emerging approach may be described as combining deterrence with diplomatic engagement.

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)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. NSA Ajit Doval is travelling to Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representative-level talks on the boundary dispute. India continues to maintain that peace and tranquillity along the border are necessary for normal bilateral relations. Statement 3 is incorrect: economic engagement does not require compromising territorial positions. The source characterises the emerging logic as “deterrence plus engagement”—maintaining military preparedness while continuing political and economic dialogue. Sustainable normalisation requires border management, military disengagement and economic engagement to advance without compromising India's territorial interests.

2. With reference to the revised National Horticulture Board (NHB) subsidy guidelines, consider the following statements:

1.     Serving Ministers, MPs and MLAs have been made ineligible for financial assistance.

2.     The definition of “family” has been expanded to include spouse, parents, sons and daughters.

3.     Every member of the same family can independently obtain assistance under different NHB schemes.

4.     Subsidy rates have been reduced under the revised framework.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Revised NHB guidelines make serving ministers, MPs, MLAs, constitutional post-holders and most government employees ineligible. “Family” now includes the spouse, parents, sons and daughters, and only one family member can receive assistance across NHB schemes. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect. Subsidy rates were also reduced from 50% to 35% in general States and to 45% in Himalayan and northeastern States. Elimination clue: the reform aims to prevent duplication and conflicts of interest while ensuring more equitable distribution of limited public resources.

3. With reference to the latest developments concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, consider the following statements: