{"id":7780,"date":"2026-01-28T17:06:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T17:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7780"},"modified":"2026-01-28T17:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T17:06:32","slug":"mcqs-on-current-affairs-20-01-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7780","title":{"rendered":"MCQs on Current Affairs 20.01.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q1. Which of the following statements correctly explains the <strong>significance of the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)<\/strong> in India\u2019s economic analysis?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It measures only the growth of manufacturing industries included in IIP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It accounts for more than half of the weight of the Index of Industrial Production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It serves as a leading indicator as it covers 40.27% of the IIP weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It excludes the energy sector from its computation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 3. It serves as a leading indicator as it covers 40.27% of the IIP weight <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> &bull; The ICI includes eight core sectors\u2014coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity\u2014which together account for 40.27% of the total weight of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).<br\/> &bull; \n\nBecause of this substantial weight, changes in ICI often signal future trends in overall industrial growth, making it a leading indicator.<br\/> &bull; \n\nOption 1 is incorrect because ICI includes both manufacturing and energy sectors.<br\/> &bull; \n\nOption 2 is incorrect as the weight is less than half, not more.<br\/> &bull; \n\nOption 4 is incorrect because electricity and other energy sectors are integral components of the ICI.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q2. Which of the following core industries recorded <strong>both positive monthly growth in December 2025 and positive cumulative growth during April\u2013December 2025-26<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Coal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Petroleum Refinery Products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Cement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Crude Oil<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 3. Cement <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> &bull; Cement production increased by 13.5% in December 2025, the highest among all core industries.<br\/> &bull; \n\nIts cumulative growth during April\u2013December 2025-26 was also positive at 8.8%, reflecting sustained demand.<br\/> &bull; \n\nCoal had positive monthly growth (+3.6%) but negative cumulative growth (-0.7%), making option 1 incorrect.<br\/> &bull; \n\nPetroleum Refinery Products declined in December (-1.0%) though cumulative growth was marginally positive (+0.1%).<br\/> &bull; \n\nCrude Oil recorded negative growth both monthly (-5.6%) and cumulatively (-1.9%).\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q3. The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) is constituted under which provision of the Dam Safety Act, 2021?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Section 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Section 5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Section 26<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Section 35<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 2. Section 5 <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> 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.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q4. Which of the following best describes the primary role of the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Direct inspection and certification of dams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Construction and rehabilitation of national dam projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Policy formulation and advisory support on dam safety matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Day-to-day operation and maintenance of dams<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 3. Policy formulation and advisory support on dam safety matters <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> The NCDS functions primarily as a policy-making and advisory body. It does not directly inspect or operate dams. Instead, it:<br\/>\n\n&bull; Recommends policies, regulations, and standards related to dam safety<br\/>\n\n&bull; Acts as a think tank for the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)<br\/>\n\n&bull; Ensures uniformity in dam safety practices across States and dam-owning agencies<br\/>\n\n&bull; Helps prevent dam failures through strategic guidance and risk-informed approaches<br\/>\n\nOperational responsibilities such as inspection, surveillance, and enforcement lie with dam owners, State Dam Safety Organisations, and NDSA, not with NCDS.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q5. The primary objective of the <em>One Station One Product (OSOP)<\/em> initiative of Indian Railways is to:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Increase non-fare revenue through private retail chains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promote local and indigenous products by providing market access at railway stations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Standardise products sold across all railway stations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Replace traditional markets with railway-based commercial hubs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 2. Promote local and indigenous products by providing market access at railway stations <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> 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 \u201cVocal for Local\u201d vision by integrating culture with commerce through Indian Railways\u2019 vast network.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q6. With reference to the <em>One Station One Product (OSOP)<\/em> scheme, consider the following statements:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As of January 2026, OSOP outlets have been established at more than 2,000 railway stations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme has generated direct economic opportunities for over 1.3 lakh beneficiaries since its launch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OSOP focuses exclusively on handicrafts and does not include food or agricultural products.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 and 2 only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 and 3 only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1, 2 and 3<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 1. 1 and 2 only <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> &bull; Statement 1 is correct:<br\/> As of 19 January 2026, OSOP has expanded to 2,002 railway stations with over 2,300 outlets.<br\/> &bull; \n\nStatement 2 is correct:<br\/> Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has created direct economic opportunities for more than 1.32 lakh beneficiaries, including artisans and small entrepreneurs.<br\/> &bull; \n\nStatement 3 is incorrect:<br\/> 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.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q7. Under the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, which of the following best defines \u201cunpaid user fee\u201d?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Toll fee payable only when a vehicle crosses a toll plaza without stopping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">User fee payable for National Highway use when vehicle passage is recorded by the ETC system but payment is not received<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Any toll fee unpaid due to technical failure of the toll plaza<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">User fee applicable only to commercial vehicles using National Highways<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 2. User fee payable for National Highway use when vehicle passage is recorded by the ETC system but payment is not received <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> The amended rules introduce a new definition of \u201cunpaid user fee\u201d, which specifically refers to situations where the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system records a vehicle\u2019s passage on a National Highway, but the applicable toll fee is not received in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956.<br\/>\n\n&bull; Option 1 is incorrect because the definition is not limited to non-stopping at toll plazas.<br\/>\n\n&bull; Option 3 is incorrect as the definition is not restricted to technical failures alone.<br\/>\n\n&bull; Option 4 is incorrect because the provision applies to all vehicles, not just commercial ones.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">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?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Renewal or generation of a Certificate of Fitness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Registration of a new vehicle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Issuance of a pollution under control (PUC) certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Issuance of a learner\u2019s driving licence<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 1. Renewal or generation of a Certificate of Fitness <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> 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.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q9. Which of the following statements regarding the steel slag\u2013based pothole repair technology \u2018ECOFIX\u2019 is\/are correct?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">ECOFIX has been developed by CSIR\u2013Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It uses processed iron and steel slag, helping convert industrial waste into construction material.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It can be applied only under dry conditions and requires curing time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">1 and 2 only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">2 and 3 only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">1 only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">1, 2 and 3<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 1. 1 and 2 only <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> &bull; Statement 1 is correct: ECOFIX was developed by CSIR\u2013CRRI and is being commercially rolled out with support from the Technology Development Board (TDB).<br\/> &bull; \n\nStatement 2 is correct: The technology uses processed iron and steel slag, converting industrial waste into a useful construction input and supporting circular economy objectives.<br\/> &bull; \n\nStatement 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.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q10. What makes the High Seas Treaty historically significant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It is the first agreement to regulate coastal waters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It is the first legally binding treaty to protect marine life in international waters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It bans all fishing activities in the high seas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It applies only to developing countries<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 2. It is the first legally binding treaty to protect marine life in international waters <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> The High Seas Treaty is the world\u2019s 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.<br\/> \n\n&bull; Option 1 is incorrect because coastal waters are already governed by national laws.<br\/> \n\n&bull; Option 3 is incorrect because the treaty regulates activities but does not impose a total fishing ban.<br\/> \n\n&bull; Option 4 is incorrect because the treaty applies to all ratifying countries, not only developing ones.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q11. Which of the following is a key provision introduced by the High Seas Treaty?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Immediate protection of all high seas areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Mandatory military patrols in international waters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Exclusive rights for private companies to exploit marine resources<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<button class=\"acc\">View Answer<\/button>\n<div class=\"pnl\">\n  <p style=\"padding-top:5px;color:#27302a;font-size:1.2rem;\"><b>Correct Option:<\/b> 3. A framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas <br\/>\n<strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <br\/> 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.<br\/>\n\n&bull; Option 1 is incorrect because protection will be gradual, not immediate or universal.<br\/>\n\n&bull; Option 2 is incorrect as the treaty focuses on cooperation and governance, not militarization.<br\/>\n\n&bull; Option 4 is incorrect because the treaty promotes regulation, environmental assessments, and benefit-sharing\u2014not exclusive exploitation.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Q1. Which of the following statements correctly explains the significance of the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) in India\u2019s economic analysis? View Answer Correct Option: 3. It serves as a leading indicator as it covers 40.27% of the IIP weight Explanation: &bull; The ICI includes eight core sectors\u2014coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[222,1640,21,22,1636,1633,1041,1647,31,1643,1646,221,20],"class_list":["post-7780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs","tag-bank-exams","tag-central-motor-vehicles-second-amendment-rules","tag-competitive-exams","tag-current-affairs","tag-ecofix","tag-high-seas-treaty","tag-index-of-eight-core-industries","tag-indian-railways","tag-mcq","tag-national-committee-on-dam-safety","tag-one-station-one-product","tag-rrb-exams","tag-ssc-cgl"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7780"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7948,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7780\/revisions\/7948"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}