Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 2026-01-24 with solutions Attempt Free MCQ Test

- Statement 1: Correct. Pax Silica is a strategic initiative that aims to secure supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals, with a specific goal of reducing reliance on China for Rare Earth Elements. This aligns with the U.S. strategy to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities that have been exposed during geopolitical tensions and tariff escalations.

- Statement 2: Incorrect. India was not invited to the inaugural Pax Silica Summit. Although the U.S. has plans to invite India soon, India was not a participant in the initial summit. This detail is crucial in understanding the geopolitical dynamics and the strategic positioning of India in relation to Pax Silica.

- Statement 3: Correct. The initiative indeed emphasizes the development of trusted digital infrastructure as a means of promoting peace and prosperity. This is part of the broader goals of Pax Silica to ensure secure and resilient tech supply chains supporting global stability.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is not. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Pax Silica Summit - India was a founding member: Incorrect. India was not invited to the inaugural Pax Silica Summit. The United States has plans to invite India in the future, but India was not a founding member.

2. Strategic Dependence - U.S. aims to reduce reliance on China for Rare Earth Elements: Correct. The U.S. is indeed aiming to reduce its reliance on China for Rare Earth Elements due to strategic dependencies and previous supply chain disruptions.

3. Tech National Security - Semiconductors and AI central to economic and military strength: Correct. The document highlights that semiconductors and AI are crucial to economic strength, military capability, and strategic dominance.

4. Supply Chain Resilience - Linking U.S. lithium resources with Japan's manufacturing strength: Incorrect. The document states that U.S. supply chain resilience involves linking Australia’s lithium resources, Japan’s manufacturing strength, and the Netherlands’ lithography technology, not U.S. lithium resources.

Only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Correct answer: C

Statement-I is correct. Authoritative analyses describe Pax Silica as an initiative aimed at strengthening supply-chain resilience for advanced technology components and critical minerals, with the stated objective of reducing geopolitical risk and supporting economic stability.

Statement-II is incorrect. While China holds a dominant position in global Rare Earth Elements (REEs) processing and supplies a large share of refined materials, it is not the sole producer. Other countries, notably Australia, and supplies from regions such as Myanmar and ongoing projects in the United States and elsewhere, contribute to global REE production and processing capacity.

Because Statement-I is true and Statement-II is false, the correct choice is Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (Option C).

- Statement 1 is correct. The LR AShM is indeed capable of exceeding speeds of Mach 5. It is specifically designed to target high-value naval assets, including aircraft carrier battle groups. This capability positions it as a significant asset in maritime defense, allowing for rapid and effective responses against major naval threats.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The LR AShM has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) specifically for the Indian Navy, not the Indian Air Force. The focus on naval applications is crucial for enhancing India's maritime defense capabilities.

- Statement 3 is correct. The missile is designed to enhance Anti Access Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, which is a strategic military doctrine aimed at denying an adversary's access to a particular region. The deployment of mobile launchers along the shore allows for flexible and responsive defense strategies against potential maritime threats.

Hence, the correct answer is Option C

1. The statement that approximately 70 percent of global freshwater withdrawals are allocated for agricultural purposes is correct. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water globally, making it a critical area of focus in discussions about sustainable water management.

2. The statement regarding the last freeze on seat distribution in India is also correct. The freeze was indeed implemented in 1976 to prevent penalizing states that had successfully controlled population growth. This freeze has resulted in a parliamentary map that does not reflect the current demographic realities, which is a significant issue as India prepares for the upcoming delimitation exercise.

3. The statement that over 50 percent of the world's agricultural land is experiencing moderate to severe degradation is accurate. Land degradation is a major challenge for global agriculture, affecting food security and ecosystem health. This degradation is exacerbated by factors like deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and climate change.

Therefore, all the statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. Article 176(1) mandates that the Governor must address the Legislative Assembly at the beginning of the first session each year, and this address should reflect the policies of the elected State Cabinet, not the personal views of the Governor. This ensures that the Governor acts as a constitutional figurehead, communicating the elected government's policies to the legislature.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The discretionary power of the Governor is limited, and addressing the Legislative Assembly under Article 176(1) is not a discretionary function but rather an executive one that must align with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The Nabam Rebia vs Deputy Speaker (2016) case reaffirmed that addressing the House is not an area where the Governor can exercise discretion.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974) judgment emphasized that Governors are not to publicly criticize the policies of the Cabinet, as doing so would be unconstitutional. This case underlined the principle that the Governor must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers and not independently criticize or counter the executive's policies.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as both statements 1 and 3 are accurate reflections of constitutional principles and judicial interpretations, while statement 2 incorrectly suggests discretionary powers in the context of Article 176(1).

1. Article 176(1) - Correctly matched. Article 176(1) mandates that the Governor must address the Legislative Assembly at the beginning of the first session each year. This address reflects the policies of the elected State Cabinet.

2. Article 163 - Correctly matched. Article 163 states that the Governor acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, except in cases where the Constitution provides otherwise.

3. Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974) - Incorrectly matched. This case is related to the discretionary powers of the Governor, not the President. It addresses the limitations on the Governor's ability to act independently of the Cabinet's advice.

4. Nabam Rebia vs Deputy Speaker (2016) - Incorrectly matched. This case emphasized that addressing the House is not a discretionary power of the Governor; it is an executive function. The case outlined that the Governor’s discretionary powers are limited and defined.

Only the first two pairs are correctly matched, hence the correct answer is Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework is designed to integrate quantum technologies across all branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The framework emphasizes tri-services integration to ensure a unified approach, rather than focusing solely on the Indian Army.

Statement 2 is correct. One of the key pillars of the framework is Quantum computing, which is aimed at enhancing decision-making speed in battlefield scenarios. Quantum computing can provide significant advantages in processing complex data rapidly, which is crucial for timely and effective decision-making in military operations.

Statement 3 is correct. The framework promotes a Civil-Military Fusion Model, which encourages collaboration with academia, startups, industry, and government sectors. This approach seeks to leverage expertise and innovation across various sectors to advance the development and operationalization of quantum technologies within the military context.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D.

1. Quantum Communication - Correct. Quantum communication uses principles such as quantum key distribution to ensure secure communications by utilizing photon-based encryption. This aligns with the description provided.

2. Quantum Computing - Correct. Quantum computing leverages quantum bits (qubits) to perform complex computations more efficiently than classical computers, aiding in faster and more accurate decision-making processes, particularly valuable in military applications.

3. Quantum Sensing and Metrology - Incorrect. Quantum sensing and metrology involve using quantum mechanics, not classical physics, to enhance measurement precision and navigational accuracy. This includes applications like quantum gyroscopes and atomic clocks, which surpass classical methods.

4. Quantum Materials and Devices - Incorrect. Quantum materials and devices refer to the development of materials with unique properties resulting from quantum mechanics, such as superconductors and topological insulators. These materials are often used in advanced technologies rather than conventional weaponry.

Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant - Tamil Nadu: This pair is correctly matched. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is located in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest nuclear power stations in India.

2. Bhakra Nangal Dam - Gujarat: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Bhakra Nangal Dam is situated on the Sutlej River in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, not Gujarat. It is one of the highest gravity dams in the world and forms the Gobind Sagar reservoir.

3. Hirakud Dam - Odisha: This pair is correctly matched. The Hirakud Dam is located in Odisha on the Mahanadi River. It is one of the longest earthen dams in the world.

4. Tehri Dam - Uttarakhand: This pair is correctly matched. The Tehri Dam is situated in Uttarakhand on the Bhagirathi River. It is one of the tallest dams in India.

The correctly matched pairs are 1, 3, and 4. Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.