MCQs on Current Affairs 20.01.2026

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Q1. Which of the following statements correctly explains the significance of the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) in India’s economic analysis?

  1. It measures only the growth of manufacturing industries included in IIP
  2. It accounts for more than half of the weight of the Index of Industrial Production
  3. It serves as a leading indicator as it covers 40.27% of the IIP weight
  4. It excludes the energy sector from its computation

Correct Option: 3. It serves as a leading indicator as it covers 40.27% of the IIP weight
Explanation:
• The ICI includes eight core sectors—coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity—which together account for 40.27% of the total weight of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• Because of this substantial weight, changes in ICI often signal future trends in overall industrial growth, making it a leading indicator.
• Option 1 is incorrect because ICI includes both manufacturing and energy sectors.
• Option 2 is incorrect as the weight is less than half, not more.
• Option 4 is incorrect because electricity and other energy sectors are integral components of the ICI.

Q2. Which of the following core industries recorded both positive monthly growth in December 2025 and positive cumulative growth during April–December 2025-26?

  1. Coal
  2. Petroleum Refinery Products
  3. Cement
  4. Crude Oil

Correct Option: 3. Cement
Explanation:
• Cement production increased by 13.5% in December 2025, the highest among all core industries.
• Its cumulative growth during April–December 2025-26 was also positive at 8.8%, reflecting sustained demand.
• Coal had positive monthly growth (+3.6%) but negative cumulative growth (-0.7%), making option 1 incorrect.
• Petroleum Refinery Products declined in December (-1.0%) though cumulative growth was marginally positive (+0.1%).
• Crude Oil recorded negative growth both monthly (-5.6%) and cumulatively (-1.9%).

Q3. The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) is constituted under which provision of the Dam Safety Act, 2021?

  1. Section 3
  2. Section 5
  3. Section 26
  4. Section 35

Correct Option: 2. Section 5
Explanation:
The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) is a statutory body constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. This section provides for the establishment of NCDS at the national level. The functions, powers, and responsibilities of the Committee are further detailed in the First Schedule of the Act. NCDS acts as a policy advisory body to guide dam safety governance and supports the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) in achieving uniform safety standards across the country.

Q4. Which of the following best describes the primary role of the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)?

  1. Direct inspection and certification of dams
  2. Construction and rehabilitation of national dam projects
  3. Policy formulation and advisory support on dam safety matters
  4. Day-to-day operation and maintenance of dams

Correct Option: 3. Policy formulation and advisory support on dam safety matters
Explanation:
The NCDS functions primarily as a policy-making and advisory body. It does not directly inspect or operate dams. Instead, it:
• Recommends policies, regulations, and standards related to dam safety
• Acts as a think tank for the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)
• Ensures uniformity in dam safety practices across States and dam-owning agencies
• Helps prevent dam failures through strategic guidance and risk-informed approaches
Operational responsibilities such as inspection, surveillance, and enforcement lie with dam owners, State Dam Safety Organisations, and NDSA, not with NCDS.

Q5. The primary objective of the One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative of Indian Railways is to:

  1. Increase non-fare revenue through private retail chains
  2. Promote local and indigenous products by providing market access at railway stations
  3. Standardise products sold across all railway stations
  4. Replace traditional markets with railway-based commercial hubs

Correct Option: 2. Promote local and indigenous products by providing market access at railway stations
Explanation:
The One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative is designed to promote local artisans, craftsmen, weavers, and small producers by offering them direct access to millions of railway passengers. Instead of standardising products nationwide, OSOP highlights the unique regional identity of each station. This approach supports grassroots entrepreneurship, preserves traditional crafts, and aligns with the “Vocal for Local” vision by integrating culture with commerce through Indian Railways’ vast network.

Q6. With reference to the One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme, consider the following statements:

  1. As of January 2026, OSOP outlets have been established at more than 2,000 railway stations.
  2. The scheme has generated direct economic opportunities for over 1.3 lakh beneficiaries since its launch.
  3. OSOP focuses exclusively on handicrafts and does not include food or agricultural products.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Option: 1. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct:
As of 19 January 2026, OSOP has expanded to 2,002 railway stations with over 2,300 outlets.
• Statement 2 is correct:
Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has created direct economic opportunities for more than 1.32 lakh beneficiaries, including artisans and small entrepreneurs.
• Statement 3 is incorrect:
OSOP is not limited to handicrafts. It also includes regional food items, spices, handloom products, sweets, and agricultural specialties, reflecting the cultural diversity of different regions.

Q7. Under the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, which of the following best defines “unpaid user fee”?

  1. Toll fee payable only when a vehicle crosses a toll plaza without stopping
  2. User fee payable for National Highway use when vehicle passage is recorded by the ETC system but payment is not received
  3. Any toll fee unpaid due to technical failure of the toll plaza
  4. User fee applicable only to commercial vehicles using National Highways

Correct Option: 2. User fee payable for National Highway use when vehicle passage is recorded by the ETC system but payment is not received
Explanation:
The amended rules introduce a new definition of “unpaid user fee”, which specifically refers to situations where the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system records a vehicle’s passage on a National Highway, but the applicable toll fee is not received in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956.
• Option 1 is incorrect because the definition is not limited to non-stopping at toll plazas.
• Option 3 is incorrect as the definition is not restricted to technical failures alone.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the provision applies to all vehicles, not just commercial ones.

Q8. Which of the following vehicle-related services will NOT be permitted unless outstanding National Highway user fee dues are cleared under the amended rules?

  1. Renewal or generation of a Certificate of Fitness
  2. Registration of a new vehicle
  3. Issuance of a pollution under control (PUC) certificate
  4. Issuance of a learner’s driving licence

Correct Option: 1. Renewal or generation of a Certificate of Fitness
Explanation:
The amendments clearly link the clearance of unpaid user fees with certain vehicle-related services. One key provision states that renewal or issuance of a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) will not be allowed unless all outstanding user fee dues are paid.

Q9. Which of the following statements regarding the steel slag–based pothole repair technology ‘ECOFIX’ is/are correct?

  1. ECOFIX has been developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
  2. It uses processed iron and steel slag, helping convert industrial waste into construction material.
  3. It can be applied only under dry conditions and requires curing time.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Option: 1. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: ECOFIX was developed by CSIR–CRRI and is being commercially rolled out with support from the Technology Development Board (TDB).
• Statement 2 is correct: The technology uses processed iron and steel slag, converting industrial waste into a useful construction input and supporting circular economy objectives.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: ECOFIX is designed as a ready-to-use mix that can be applied even in wet or waterlogged conditions and does not require extended curing time.

Q10. What makes the High Seas Treaty historically significant?

  1. It is the first agreement to regulate coastal waters
  2. It is the first legally binding treaty to protect marine life in international waters
  3. It bans all fishing activities in the high seas
  4. It applies only to developing countries

Correct Option: 2. It is the first legally binding treaty to protect marine life in international waters
Explanation:
The High Seas Treaty is the world’s first legally binding international agreement specifically designed to protect marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, known as the high seas. These waters were previously largely unregulated.
• Option 1 is incorrect because coastal waters are already governed by national laws.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the treaty regulates activities but does not impose a total fishing ban.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the treaty applies to all ratifying countries, not only developing ones.

Q11. Which of the following is a key provision introduced by the High Seas Treaty?

  1. Immediate protection of all high seas areas
  2. Mandatory military patrols in international waters
  3. A framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas
  4. Exclusive rights for private companies to exploit marine resources

Correct Option: 3. A framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas
Explanation:
A central feature of the treaty is the establishment of the first legal framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters, where currently only about 1% is protected.
• Option 1 is incorrect because protection will be gradual, not immediate or universal.
• Option 2 is incorrect as the treaty focuses on cooperation and governance, not militarization.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the treaty promotes regulation, environmental assessments, and benefit-sharing—not exclusive exploitation.

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