Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 158

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -158

1. With reference to the recent Nepal flood disaster and India's response, consider the following statements:

1. India deployed specialists experienced in tunnel-rescue operations.
2. India's assistance included forensic experts for DNA identification and equipment for modular and Bailey bridges.
3. India had airlifted around 68.5 tonnes of relief material, according to the summary.
4. The disaster demonstrated that Himalayan disaster management can be effectively handled exclusively through post-disaster relief.

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. India expanded specialised assistance by sending tunnel-rescue personnel, forensic experts for DNA identification, relief supplies and bridge equipment; around 68.5 tonnes of relief material had reportedly been airlifted. Statement 4 is incorrect. The disaster demonstrates precisely why Himalayan disaster management must move beyond reactive relief towards transboundary early-warning systems, satellite monitoring, resilient hydropower infrastructure and permanent India-Nepal coordination. Elimination clue: whenever disaster policy is described as exclusively post-event relief, examine whether prevention, preparedness and mitigation are being ignored.

2. With reference to the India-Uzbekistan partnership, consider the following statements:

1. Bilateral cooperation covers critical minerals, defence, energy, digital connectivity and space.
2. India-Uzbekistan bilateral trade in 2025-26 was close to $1 billion.
3. India's engagement with Uzbekistan is concerned exclusively with commercial relations.
4. Lack of direct land connectivity remains an important constraint on India's Central Asian engagement.

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. India and Uzbekistan are expanding cooperation across trade, investment, critical minerals, defence, energy, health, education, digital connectivity, space and technology. Bilateral trade in 2025-26 was close to $1 billion, while Indian investment was also around $1 billion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the relationship has an important geopolitical dimension involving Afghanistan, connectivity, counter-terrorism and India's wider engagement with Central Asia. Elimination clue: India's Central Asia policy combines economic, connectivity, resource-security and strategic objectives rather than commerce alone.