Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 155

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -155

1. With reference to the recent Nepal flash floods and Himalayan disaster vulnerability, consider the following statements:

1. A rock-and-ice landslide near the Nepal-Tibet border was reported as a possible trigger of the debris-laden flood.
2. The disaster affected hydropower infrastructure and created concern about possible secondary flooding.
3. Himalayan river disasters are necessarily confined within the country where they originate.
4. Transboundary hydrological monitoring and early-warning systems can reduce downstream risks.

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. The flash flood killed more than 150 people and left hundreds missing. Scientists suspected that an ice-rock avalanche entered the Lhende Khola and generated a debris-laden surge, though the exact trigger remained under investigation. Around 700 MW of hydropower capacity was reportedly affected, while authorities also feared a secondary flood from an upstream blockage. Statement 3 is incorrect. Elimination clue: Himalayan river systems cross political boundaries. The disaster strengthens the case for glacier monitoring, satellite-based warning, resilient infrastructure and coordinated disaster-management mechanisms among India, Nepal and China.

2. With reference to the latest India-China boundary talks, consider the following statements:

1. India and China agreed to establish two additional military meeting points.
2. Two new border hotlines are proposed in the eastern and middle sectors.
3. The two sides have abandoned the 2005 Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.
4. Cooperation on transboundary rivers and hydrological data forms part of the emerging confidence-building process.

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. The latest talks produced eight outcomes, including two additional military meeting points, two new border hotlines, stronger incident-management mechanisms and discussion on reopening border trade. A September meeting on transboundary rivers and hydrological data was also proposed. Statement 3 is incorrect because both sides reaffirmed the 2005 Political Parameters and Guiding Principles as the basis for seeking a mutually acceptable boundary settlement. Elimination clue: recent confidence-building arrangements supplement rather than replace the existing negotiating framework. The strategy is incremental—reduce miscalculation and stabilise the LAC while continuing negotiations on the larger boundary question.