Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 221

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -221

Q1. Strait of Hormuz, Maritime Security and International Law

In the context of reported attacks on oil tankers carrying Indian sailors near the Strait of Hormuz, consider the following statements:

1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
2. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) recognises the concept of transit passage through straits used for international navigation.
3. Every attack on a commercial vessel automatically constitutes piracy under UNCLOS, irrespective of its location or circumstances.
4. Disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz can affect global energy prices and maritime insurance costs.

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 reported attacks highlight the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India's energy security and the safety of Indian seafarers. Statement 1 is correct because Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Statement 2 is correct because UNCLOS provides a framework for transit passage through qualifying international straits. Statement 3 is incorrect. Piracy has a specific legal definition involving location and other conditions. Not every maritime attack qualifies as piracy. Statement 4 is correct because insecurity can raise transport, insurance and energy costs. Hidden trap: Maritime violence and piracy are not legally identical.

Q2. Quad, Critical Minerals and Supply-Chain Resilience

With reference to the Quad's reported emphasis on critical minerals and economic security, consider the following statements:

1. Critical minerals are important for electric vehicles, renewable-energy systems and advanced defence technologies.
2. Dependence on a small number of countries for mineral processing may create strategic vulnerabilities.
3. Establishing domestic mineral-processing capacity necessarily eliminates the need for international cooperation.
4. Recycling and diversification of mineral suppliers can improve supply-chain resilience.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

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