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Daily-mcqs 14 Jan 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 14 Jan 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

With reference to Greenland, consider the following statements:

1.   Greenland is a sovereign country and a founding member of the Arctic Council.

2.   Greenland lies close to the GIUK Gap, which is strategically important for NATO’s maritime surveillance.

3.   Greenland hosts significant untapped reserves of rare earth elements crucial for green and defence technologies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Show

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Greenland is not a sovereign country; it is an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty. Denmark represents it internationally.

Statement 2 is correct: Greenland’s proximity to the GIUK Gap (Greenland–Iceland–UK) makes it crucial for NATO’s early warning systems, submarine detection, and maritime monitoring.

Statement 3 is correct: Greenland is estimated to hold around 1.5 million tonnes of rare earth elements, along with lithium, graphite, uranium, and potential hydrocarbons, vital for green energy and defence industries.

Q2:

Why has Greenland acquired renewed geopolitical importance in recent years?

1.   Climate change has increased access to its mineral resources and potential shipping routes.

2.   It is central to U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earth supply chains.

3.   It lies along critical air and sea routes connecting North America and Europe.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Show

Answer: D

Explanation:

Climate change has caused ice melt, exposing bedrock and possibly opening new Arctic shipping routes, enhancing Greenland’s strategic value.

The U.S. seeks diversification of critical mineral supply chains dominated by China, making Greenland strategically relevant.

Greenland’s location places it at a geopolitical crossroads between North America and Europe, reinforcing its military and logistical significance.

Q3:

With reference to the “Pax Silica” initiative, consider the following statements:

1.   Pax Silica is a U.S.-led initiative aimed at building secure and resilient supply chains for critical technologies.

2.   The initiative focuses exclusively on semiconductor manufacturing.

3.   The term “Silica” in Pax Silica refers to silicon as a foundational material for modern technologies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Show

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Pax Silica is explicitly designed to create secure, resilient, and innovation-driven supply chains for critical technologies.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The initiative covers semiconductors, AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and logistics, not semiconductors alone.

Statement 3 is correct: “Silica” symbolises silicon, the foundational material for chips and digital technologies, while “Pax” denotes stability and cooperation.

Q4:

India’s participation in Pax Silica is significant primarily because it:

1.   Enhances India’s semiconductor and AI ecosystem

2.   Deepens strategic cooperation with the U.S. and allied partners

3.   complements India’s policy of strategic autonomy

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Show

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Participation can attract investment, technology transfer, and integration into high-value technology ecosystems.

Statement 2 is correct: It strengthens India–U.S. and allied cooperation in emerging technologies.

Statement 3 is correct: Pax Silica complements India’s strategic autonomy by diversifying partnerships rather than aligning exclusively with any bloc.

Q5:

With reference to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), consider the following statements:

1.   IRENA was established in 2009, and its statute entered into force in 2010.

2.   IRENA is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

3.   India is an observer state of IRENA.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Show

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: IRENA was established in 2009, with its statute entering into force in 2010.

Statement 2 is correct: The headquarters of IRENA is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Statement 3 is incorrect: India is a founding member of IRENA, reflecting its long-standing commitment to renewable energy diplomacy.