Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 209

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -209

Q1. India–US Relations, Russian Oil and Strategic Autonomy

In the context of India–US trade negotiations and differences over Russian crude oil, consider the following statements:

1. Strategic autonomy enables India to make foreign-policy decisions based on its national interests.
2. Diversification of crude-oil suppliers can reduce India's dependence on any single exporting country.
3. A strategic partnership necessarily requires both countries to adopt identical positions on every international issue.
4. Energy security includes affordability, availability and reliability of energy supplies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: The supplied Indian Express summary discusses the proposed Jaishankar–Rubio meeting and disagreements over tariffs, Russian oil and energy security. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Strategic autonomy allows India to cooperate with different countries while retaining independent decision-making. Diversifying energy imports reduces dependence on individual suppliers. Statement 3 is incorrect because strategic partners may disagree on trade, energy and regional security without ending their partnership. Statement 4 is correct because energy security requires affordable and dependable supplies. India must balance economic interests with long-term diplomatic relationships. Hidden trap: Strategic partnership does not mean identical foreign policies. Elimination clue: Reject Statement 3.

Q2. India–New Zealand FTA and Agricultural Safeguards

In the context of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement discussed in the supplied summary, consider the following statements:

1. A Free Trade Agreement may reduce or eliminate customs duties on specified goods traded between participating countries.
2. An FTA necessarily requires both countries to eliminate tariffs on every agricultural product.
3. Duty-free market access can improve the competitiveness of labour-intensive exports.
4. Safeguarding sensitive agricultural sectors can be consistent with a negotiated trade-liberalisation agreement.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

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