Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 159

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -159

1. With reference to the recently upgraded India-Uzbekistan relationship, consider the following statements:

1. The relationship has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
2. The two countries have targeted bilateral trade of $5 billion annually by 2030.
3. India and Uzbekistan have agreed on a framework for long-term uranium supplies.
4. Their economic cooperation is confined primarily to nuclear energy and defence.

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 and Uzbekistan upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and set a target of $5 billion in annual trade by 2030. Cooperation includes a framework for long-term uranium supply. Statement 4 is incorrect because cooperation extends to mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, infrastructure, education and digital public infrastructure. Elimination clue: India's Central Asia engagement is multidimensional. Uzbekistan is important not merely for defence or uranium but also for resource security, supply-chain diversification, connectivity and India's wider geopolitical outreach.

2. With reference to uranium and critical-mineral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, consider the following statements:

1. Uranium is an important fuel for nuclear power generation.
2. Diversifying uranium suppliers can improve India's energy-security resilience.
3. Critical minerals have applications in renewable energy, electronics and defence manufacturing.
4. India's interest in Uzbekistan's mineral resources is unrelated to supply-chain security.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Uranium is an essential input for nuclear power, while diversification of suppliers can reduce India's vulnerability to disruptions. India and Uzbekistan are also expanding cooperation in exploration, mining, refining and processing of critical minerals. These minerals are increasingly important for renewable energy, electronics, defence and advanced technologies. Statement 4 is therefore incorrect. Elimination clue: critical-mineral partnerships are increasingly geopolitical because clean-energy and advanced-technology industries depend upon secure access to specialised raw materials. India's objective includes building more resilient and diversified supply chains.