Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 165

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -165

1. With reference to China's proposed Yarlung Zangbo mega-hydropower project, consider the following statements:

1. The Yarlung Zangbo becomes the Brahmaputra after entering India.
2. The proposed project envisages five power stations with an estimated capacity of about 60 GW.
3. India's concerns include downstream flows, ecological impacts and risks associated with sudden water releases.
4. China's construction of an upstream dam automatically gives it sovereign ownership over downstream waters in India and Bangladesh.

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. China's proposed project on the Yarlung Zangbo involves five power stations with an estimated 60-GW capacity. India, as a downstream country, is concerned about water flows, storage, ecological consequences and risks arising from sudden releases or infrastructure failure. Statement 4 is incorrect. The central issue identified in the summary is transboundary river governance, requiring transparency, hydrological data-sharing and disaster-warning mechanisms among riparian countries. Elimination clue: an upstream geographical position should not be confused with unrestricted ownership of a shared transboundary river system.

2. With reference to BRICS initiatives concerning cross-border payments, consider the following statements:

1. They seek to reduce transaction costs and vulnerabilities arising from dependence on existing international financial infrastructure.
2. Local-currency settlement is one possible component of such initiatives.
3. BRICS has already decided to immediately replace existing reserve currencies with a single common currency.
4. Differences in regulation, capital controls and technological standards can complicate payment-system integration.

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)