Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 212

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -212

Q1. Houthi Attacks, International Humanitarian Law and India's West Asia Policy

In the context of reported attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, consider the following statements:

1. International humanitarian law requires parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives.
2. An airport automatically loses all protection under international humanitarian law whenever an armed conflict occurs in the surrounding region.
3. Attacks on critical energy infrastructure can affect international oil prices and supply chains.
4. India's interests in West Asia include energy security, maritime connectivity and the protection of Indian nationals.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 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

Explanation: The supplied newspaper summaries discuss attacks attributed to the Houthis on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and their implications for India. Statement 1 is correct because the principle of distinction is fundamental to international humanitarian law. Statement 2 is incorrect. Civilian airports do not automatically become legitimate military targets during armed conflict. Their protection depends on their actual use and the applicable legal rules. Statement 3 is correct because disruption of energy infrastructure may affect global supplies and prices. Statement 4 is correct because India has substantial economic and expatriate interests in West Asia. Hidden trap: Armed conflict does not remove protection from all infrastructure.

Q2. India–Poland Relations and Strategic Autonomy

In the context of India's expanding cooperation with Poland, consider the following statements:

1. Poland is a member of both the European Union and NATO.
2. Strategic autonomy requires India to avoid defence and technology cooperation with countries belonging to military alliances.
3. Defence co-production and technology partnerships may reduce dependence on a limited number of foreign suppliers.
4. India's engagement with European middle powers can complement its relations with larger global powers.

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