Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 210

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -210

Q1. India–US Energy Cooperation and Strategic Autonomy

In the context of the reported US proposal for India to consider Venezuelan crude oil as an alternative energy source, consider the following statements:

1. Strategic autonomy allows India to maintain independent foreign-policy decisions while cooperating with different countries.
2. Diversifying crude-oil suppliers can reduce dependence on a single exporting country.
3. The commercial suitability of imported crude oil depends partly on refinery configuration and crude-oil characteristics.
4. Increasing petroleum imports from a strategic partner necessarily eliminates India's vulnerability to international energy-price fluctuations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: The supplied Hindu summary discusses the reported proposal to diversify India's petroleum imports through Venezuelan crude. Statements 1 and 2 are correct because strategic autonomy involves independent decision-making, while supplier diversification reduces excessive dependence. Statement 3 is correct because refineries are designed to process particular crude characteristics. Compatibility, transportation costs and pricing influence commercial decisions. Statement 4 is incorrect because even diversified imports remain exposed to global price fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions. India's energy security requires affordable supplies, refining capacity, diversified partners and gradual expansion of cleaner energy. Hidden trap: Diversification reduces vulnerability but does not eliminate market risk.

Q2. India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor and Regional Connectivity

In the context of the India–US–UAE discussions concerning regional connectivity, consider the following statements:

1. The proposed India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor seeks to improve economic connectivity between India, West Asia and Europe.
2. Multimodal transport corridors may combine maritime, railway and other infrastructure networks.
3. Development of an alternative trade corridor automatically makes existing maritime routes commercially irrelevant.
4. Political stability, financing and customs coordination can influence the success of international connectivity projects.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

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