Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 181

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -181

Q1. Article 371 and Asymmetric Federalism

With reference to asymmetric federalism in India, consider the following statements:

1. Articles 371A to 371J provide identical constitutional arrangements to all the States covered by them.
2. Special constitutional arrangements can be used to accommodate regional, cultural and administrative diversity.
3. The proposed Article 371K for Ladakh has been discussed in the context of local representation, land protection and cultural identity.
4. Asymmetric federal arrangements are necessarily inconsistent with national integration.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The supplied summary explains that India's Constitution has historically accommodated regional diversity through differentiated arrangements. Articles 371A-J do not create an identical model: different provisions address different regional circumstances. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 4 is also incorrect because differentiated arrangements can themselves support national integration by accommodating legitimate regional concerns. The proposed Article 371K is discussed in relation to Ladakh's representation, land, cultural identity and administrative autonomy. Elimination clue: words such as “identical” and “necessarily inconsistent” are the hidden traps. Indian federalism permits constitutional differentiation rather than requiring absolute uniformity.

Q2. India-New Zealand FTA

Consider the following statements regarding the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement described in the supplied material:

1. New Zealand will provide duty-free access to all Indian exports from the first day.
2. India has completely opened its dairy sector under the agreement.
3. The agreement illustrates an attempt to combine trade liberalisation with protection of sensitive domestic sectors.
4. Diversification of economic partnerships can reduce vulnerability during global trade uncertainty.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only