MCQs on Current Affairs 29.01.2026

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Q1. Which of the following best describes the role of the Indian Space Policy-2023 in India’s space ecosystem?

  1. It restricts space activities exclusively to ISRO
  2. It allows private entities to participate only in satellite manufacturing
  3. It enables private entities to undertake end-to-end space activities
  4. It focuses only on international collaboration in space missions

Correct Option: 3. It enables private entities to undertake end-to-end space activities
Explanation:
The Indian Space Policy-2023 marks a major shift in India’s space governance by formally opening the sector to private participation. It permits private entities to engage in the entire value chain of space activities, including launch services, satellite realization and operations, Earth observation, data acquisition and dissemination, and ground station operations. This end-to-end enablement positions private industry as a key driver of commercial space activities, with the government acting as an enabler and regulator.

Q2. According to IN-SPACe’s Decadal Vision Report, which of the following targets is envisioned for India’s space economy by 2033?

  1. USD 20 billion total value with USD 5 billion exports
  2. USD 44 billion total value with USD 11 billion exports
  3. USD 60 billion total value with USD 15 billion exports
  4. USD 8.4 billion total value with no export focus

Correct Option: 2. USD 44 billion total value with USD 11 billion exports
Explanation:
IN-SPACe’s Decadal Vision Report lays out a 10-year roadmap to expand India’s space economy from USD 8.4 billion in 2022 to USD 44 billion by 2033, with exports contributing USD 11 billion. This ambitious growth target underscores the emphasis on commercialization, scaling of private industry, and integration of Indian space services into global markets.

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or feature of the SHANTI Act?

  1. Promotion of nuclear energy and ionising radiation across multiple sectors
  2. Establishment of a robust regulatory framework for safe and secure nuclear utilisation
  3. Provision of continuous monitoring and safeguards for nuclear materials and facilities
  4. Complete privatization of nuclear power generation in India

Correct Option: 4. Complete privatization of nuclear power generation in India
Explanation:
The SHANTI Act focuses on the promotion, development, and safe utilisation of nuclear energy and ionising radiation in diverse sectors such as power, healthcare, agriculture, industry, and research. It emphasizes security, safeguards, and continuous monitoring of nuclear materials and facilities. The Act does not provide for complete privatization of nuclear power generation; instead, it strengthens regulation and safety oversight.

Q4. Under the SHANTI Act, which statement correctly describes the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)?

  1. AERB functions only as an advisory body without enforcement powers
  2. AERB regulates both civilian and military nuclear facilities
  3. AERB is given statutory status and empowered to inspect facilities and revoke licenses if needed
  4. AERB operates under the direct supervision of international nuclear agencies

Correct Option: 3. AERB is given statutory status and empowered to inspect facilities and revoke licenses if needed
Explanation:
The SHANTI Act grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), strengthening India’s nuclear safety framework. AERB is responsible for safety oversight of civilian nuclear facilities, authorized to conduct inspections, verify regulatory compliance, issue corrective recommendations, and provide technical guidance. In cases of serious non-compliance, AERB has the authority to suspend or revoke operating licenses, ensuring adherence to scientific principles and best international safety practices.

Q5. Which of the following statements regarding Beach Sand Minerals (BSM) and monazite in India is correct?

  1. BSM is a secondary source of rare earths and monazite does not contain radioactive elements
  2. Monazite is a carbonate mineral containing only rare earth elements
  3. BSM is the principal ore of rare earths in India and monazite contains Uranium and Thorium
  4. India depends on China for processing monazite extracted from BSM

Correct Option: 3. BSM is the principal ore of rare earths in India and monazite contains Uranium and Thorium
Explanation:
Beach Sand Minerals (BSM) are the principal source of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in India. Within BSM, the prescribed substance monazite occurs, which is a phosphate mineral of rare earth elements. Importantly, monazite contains Uranium and Thorium, making it strategically sensitive and subject to regulation. India is explicitly stated to be not reliant on China for accessing these minerals.

Q6. Which of the following best describes the objective and features of the Union Cabinet–approved scheme for Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)?

  1. Establishing 6,000 MTPA capacity exclusively through public sector units without incentives
  2. Promoting REPM imports through tariff reduction for electric mobility
  3. Developing 6,000 MTPA domestic REPM capacity using sales-linked incentives and capital subsidy
  4. Supporting only recycling of end-of-life magnets through private partnerships

Correct Option: 3. Developing 6,000 MTPA domestic REPM capacity using sales-linked incentives and capital subsidy.
Explanation:
The Cabinet-approved scheme (26 November 2025) aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing capacity in India. The total financial outlay is ₹7,280 crore, comprising a Sales-Linked Incentive of ₹6,450 crore and a Capital Subsidy of ₹750 crore. The scheme seeks to reduce import dependence in critical sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, electronics, and defence, while strengthening domestic value chains and generating employment.

Q7. Which of the following best describes the role of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) in India?

  1. It promotes nuclear power generation and expansion
  2. It regulates nuclear safety in both civilian and military nuclear facilities
  3. It is the sole authority responsible for nuclear and radiation safety in civilian nuclear facilities
  4. It formulates India’s foreign policy on nuclear safety conventions

Correct Option: 3. It is the sole authority responsible for nuclear and radiation safety in civilian nuclear facilities
Explanation:
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the exclusive regulatory authority responsible for ensuring nuclear safety and radiation protection in civilian nuclear and radiation facilities in India. Its mandate does not include promotion of nuclear power (which is the role of agencies like NPCIL) nor does it regulate military nuclear facilities. While AERB ensures compliance with international safety conventions, it does not formulate foreign policy, making option 3 the most accurate.

Q8. Which of the following statements about the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is/are correct?

  1. AMD is a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
  2. AMD is responsible for commercial mining of uranium and rare earth elements.
  3. AMD’s mandate includes exploration of critical minerals like lithium, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, and thorium.

Options:

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

Correct Option: 2. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The passage clearly states that AMD is a constituent unit of DAE.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: AMD is primarily an exploration and research organization, not a commercial mining entity. Commercial production is handled by PSUs like IREL (India) Limited and KMML.
• Statement 3 is correct: AMD’s mandate includes exploration of critical minerals such as lithium, niobium, tantalum, beryllium, zirconium, titanium, rare earth elements, and uranium/thorium.

Q9. With reference to the notification of Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957, consider the following statements:

  1. The inclusion of coking coal in the list of critical minerals enables faster approvals and exemptions from public consultation requirements.
  2. Royalty and auction premium from coking coal mining leases will now accrue to the Central Government instead of the States.
  3. The decision aims to reduce India’s dependence on coking coal imports for the steel sector.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Correct Option: 1. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct: Mining of critical minerals benefits from faster approvals and is exempt from public consultation requirements, improving ease of doing business.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: As per Section 11D(3) of the MMDR Act, royalty, auction premium, and statutory payments continue to accrue to State Governments, even when auctions are conducted by the Centre.
• Statement 3 – Correct: The core objective of the notification is to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply-chain resilience for the domestic steel industry.

Q10. The Government of India’s decision to classify Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral is primarily based on which of the following considerations?

  1. Its irreplaceable role in steel production and national infrastructure development
  2. High domestic availability combined with increasing import dependence
  3. Recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Implementation of Viksit Bharat Goals
  4. Its exclusive use in nuclear power generation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Correct Option: . 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct: Coking coal is a critical input for steel, which underpins infrastructure, manufacturing, and defence sectors.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Despite large domestic reserves, India meets about 95% of its steel sector demand through imports, creating strategic vulnerability.
• Statement 3 – Correct: The decision follows recommendations of the HLC-VB and policy inputs from NITI Aayog.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect: Coking coal is not used for nuclear power generation; it is primarily used in steelmaking.

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