Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 63

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

    A-Category MCQs -63

1. With reference to the recent Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, consider the following statements:

1. The Quad discussed maritime surveillance, port infrastructure and critical minerals.
2. The Quad has formally become a military alliance against China.
3. India linked the discussion to energy security and critical-mineral availability.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: The Quad meeting showed that India, the US, Japan and Australia are focusing on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Maritime surveillance, port development, critical minerals, energy security and supply-chain resilience were major areas of discussion. However, the Quad has not formally become a military alliance. India continues to support strategic autonomy while cooperating with democratic partners. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect. The Quad’s present value lies in combining security, economy, technology and infrastructure, not merely in military posturing.

2. The alleged HDFC Bank governance issue mainly raises which of the following concerns?

(a) Excessive foreign ownership in Indian banks
(b) Camouflaging extra interest payments through non-interest channels
(c) Failure of public sector banks to compete with private banks
(d) Misuse of priority-sector lending rules

Correct Answer: (b) Camouflaging extra interest payments through non-interest channels