1. Why is copper considered the “hidden backbone” of the EV revolution?
(a) It is used mainly in EV body design
(b) It is essential for batteries, motors, wiring, and charging infrastructure
(c) It replaces lithium in EV batteries
(d) It is used only in EV charging stations
Answer: (b)
Explanation: EVs require copper for batteries, motors, wiring, charging stations, and power grids. An EV uses 4–5 times more copper than conventional vehicles. This makes copper central to electrification. Hence, it is called the hidden backbone.
2. Which factor primarily explains high copper demand elasticity during 2016–2024?
(a) Reduced copper recycling
(b) Larger battery sizes and charging infrastructure expansion
(c) Fall in ICE vehicle sales
(d) Increase in copper prices
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Copper demand grew faster than EV sales due to larger batteries and rapid charging infrastructure expansion. This pushed elasticity above 1.0. In 2019, it peaked at 1.76. Infrastructure scale amplified copper usage.
3. Global copper supply constraints are mainly due to:
Declining ore quality
Long gestation period for new mines
Environmental opposition
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Copper mining faces declining ore quality, 10–15 year mine development timelines, and environmental resistance. These factors restrict supply growth. Together, they cause persistent supply bottlenecks. Hence, all are correct.
4. By 2030, the projected global copper deficit may equal:
(a) Output of 5 largest mines
(b) Output of 10 largest mines
(c) Total African production
(d) Total Indian production
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The deficit is projected at nearly 8 million tonnes by 2030. This equals the combined output of the world’s 10 largest copper mines. Such a gap highlights the severity of supply stress. It may disrupt green transitions.
5. Rising EV costs due to copper shortages could increase prices by:
(a) 3–5%
(b) 5–7%
(c) 10–15%
(d) 20–25%
Answer: (c)
Explanation: EVs need significantly more copper than ICE vehicles. A shortage raises input costs. Estimates suggest EV prices may rise by 10–15%. This can slow adoption and affect climate targets.
6. India meets over 90% of its copper concentrate needs through:
(a) Domestic mining
(b) Recycling
(c) Imports
(d) Strategic reserves
Answer: (c)
Explanation: India has limited copper mining capacity, contributing only 3–5% of consumption. Over 90% of copper concentrate is imported. Dependency may rise to 97% by 2047 without intervention. This poses strategic risks.
7. India–UAE Strategic Defence Partnership is significant because:
(a) UAE is a NATO member
(b) It is India’s first defence pact with a Gulf nation
(c) It replaces India–Saudi ties
(d) It involves permanent troop deployment
Answer: (b)
Explanation: This is India’s first defence partnership with a Gulf country. It comes amid regional instability in West Asia. The pact signals India’s expanding defence diplomacy. However, it requires careful balancing.
8. Which Indian interest makes Gulf stability particularly critical?
(a) Export of software services
(b) Nearly 10 million Indian diaspora
(c) Defence manufacturing
(d) Tourism revenues
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Nearly 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries. Instability threatens their safety and remittances. India’s energy security also depends on the region. Hence, stability is vital.
9. Press Note 3 (2020) required government approval for FDI from:
(a) OECD countries
(b) Tax havens
(c) Countries sharing land borders with India
(d) ASEAN nations
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Press Note 3 was introduced after the Galwan clash. It mandated approval for investments from countries sharing land borders with India. This mainly affected Chinese FDI. It aimed to protect national security.
10. Chinese FDI into India historically accounted for:
(a) Over 10% of inflows
(b) About 5% of inflows
(c) Less than 1% of inflows
(d) Over 20% of inflows
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Between 2000 and 2021, Chinese direct FDI into India remained below 1%. Much investment came indirectly via tax havens. Post-2020 restrictions disrupted even indirect routes. Hence, direct inflows stayed minimal.
11. The High Seas Treaty primarily deals with areas:
(a) Within EEZs
(b) Coastal waters
(c) Beyond national jurisdiction
(d) Continental shelves only
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The High Seas Treaty applies to areas beyond national jurisdiction. These include high seas and deep seabed regions. They cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. Earlier, these areas lacked effective governance.
12. Which is NOT one of the four pillars of the High Seas Treaty?
(a) Marine Genetic Resources
(b) Area-Based Management Tools
(c) Blue Economy Financing
(d) Environmental Impact Assessments
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The four pillars include marine genetic resources, MPAs, EIAs, and capacity building. Blue Economy Financing is not a treaty pillar. The focus is conservation, governance, and equity. Financing is indirect.
13. India’s domestic framework for High Seas Treaty implementation involves coordination with:
(a) RBI and SEBI
(b) ICAR-CMFRI and CMLRE
(c) DRDO and ISRO
(d) NITI Aayog only
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Ministry of Earth Sciences consulted ICAR-CMFRI and CMLRE. These bodies provide marine science and fisheries expertise. Their inputs help align science with policy. This supports treaty implementation.
14. Pax Silica primarily aims to secure supply chains related to:
(a) Oil and gas
(b) Agriculture commodities
(c) Semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals
(d) Pharmaceuticals
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Pax Silica focuses on semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals like REEs. It seeks trusted and resilient technology supply chains. The initiative counters over-dependence on China. Technology security is central.
15. China’s dominance in which sector prompted Pax Silica’s formation?
(a) Lithium batteries
(b) Rare Earth Elements
(c) Solar panels
(d) Nuclear fuel
Answer: (b)
Explanation: China dominates rare earth element supply chains. It has used export controls as political leverage. This affected industries globally, including India. Pax Silica aims to diversify REE access.
16. Which reusable rocket technology milestone is correctly matched?
(a) Blue Origin – Falcon 9
(b) SpaceX – Starship
(c) ISRO – New Glenn
(d) China – Ariane 6
Answer: (b)
Explanation: SpaceX is developing Starship as a fully reusable rocket. Falcon 9 already has reusable first stages. Blue Origin’s rocket is New Glenn. Hence, the correct match is SpaceX–Starship.
17. Tsiolkovsky equation highlights that rockets carry:
(a) Less than 10% fuel
(b) About 50% payload
(c) Over 90% mass as fuel
(d) Equal fuel and payload
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The equation shows rockets need massive fuel to overcome gravity. Over 90% of rocket mass is fuel. Payload accounts for less than 4%. This explains efficiency challenges.
18. A G4 geomagnetic storm is primarily triggered by:
(a) Solar flares alone
(b) Asteroid collisions
(c) Coronal Mass Ejections
(d) Earth’s core instability
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Severe geomagnetic storms are linked to CMEs. These eject plasma with embedded magnetic fields. When directed southward, they interact strongly with Earth’s magnetosphere. This causes intense storms.
19. Which infrastructure is most vulnerable to geomagnetically induced currents?
(a) Railways
(b) Power grids
(c) Highways
(d) Ports
Answer: (b)
Explanation: GICs can damage transformers and electricity networks. Power grids are especially vulnerable. Past storms have caused blackouts. Hence, grid protection is critical.
20. C-DOT’s Cell Broadcast Solution is significant because it:
(a) Requires internet connectivity
(b) Works only on smartphones
(c) Enables real-time disaster alerts across 2G–5G
(d) Is operated by private companies only
Answer: (c)
Explanation: CBS delivers instant alerts across all mobile technologies from 2G to 5G. It supports multiple Indian languages and geo-targeting. This ensures inclusive disaster communication. It strengthens disaster preparedness.