Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 157

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -157

1. With reference to the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal, consider the following statements:

1. The death toll had risen to 579.
2. India sent humanitarian supplies and a medical team and offered Bailey bridges and NDRF assistance.
3. Satellite imagery conclusively established a glacial-lake breach as the cause of the disaster.
4. The disaster demonstrates the importance of transboundary monitoring and real-time upstream data-sharing.

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. Nepal's death toll reached 579, while India expanded humanitarian assistance through relief supplies, a medical team and offers of Bailey bridges and NDRF support. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Hindu summary specifically notes that satellite imagery showed no obvious glacial-lake breach, leaving the precise trigger under investigation. Elimination clue: UPSC frequently tests the difference between a suspected mechanism and a conclusively established cause. The larger lesson is the need for satellite monitoring, early-warning networks, resilient infrastructure and cross-border disaster cooperation.

2. With reference to India's procurement of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system, consider the following statements:

1. It is a man-portable, fire-and-forget weapon system.
2. It is designed to engage armoured vehicles and fortified positions.
3. The procurement is being undertaken through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales route.
4. Procurement of the Javelin necessarily requires India to abandon indigenous anti-tank missile development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. The Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the U.S.-made Javelin, a man-portable, fire-and-forget, medium-range anti-tank weapon capable of attacking armoured vehicles and fortified positions. The deal uses the Foreign Military Sales route. Statement 4 is incorrect. The strategic objective described in the summaries is precisely the opposite: India wants foreign acquisitions to support technology cooperation, co-production and stronger domestic capabilities. Elimination clue: strategic autonomy does not necessarily mean avoiding imports; it means avoiding excessive dependence on a single foreign supplier.