APSC MCQs / APSC Prelims Practice Questions based on Assam Tribune (Daily) – 25/06/2025

1. The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important because:

A. It connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea
B. It is the only route to the Indian Ocean from Europe
C. It serves as a key chokepoint for global crude oil trade ✅
D. It links the Suez Canal to the Arabian Sea

🧠 Explanation:
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, is the world’s most important oil chokepoint, through which ~20% of global oil flows.

2. Which of the following countries are among India’s top crude oil suppliers (2024–25)?

1. Russia
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran
4. United Arab Emirates

Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only ✅
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above

🧠 Explanation:
India currently does not import oil from Iran due to U.S. sanctions. The major suppliers are Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

3. Which of the following initiatives is directly aimed at supporting student mental health in India?

A. National Digital Health Mission
B. NISHTHA Training Platform
C. Manodarpan Initiative ✅
D. Poshan Abhiyaan

🧠 Explanation:
Manodarpan, launched under the Ministry of Education, addresses mental well-being of students, teachers, and families, including a national helpline.

4. Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, what is the legal status of attempted suicide in India?

A. Punishable under IPC 309
B. Punishable only if done twice
C. Completely decriminalised
D. Decriminalised if proven mental distress ✅

🧠 Explanation:
Section 115 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 decriminalises attempted suicide if it is due to severe stress, presuming the person needs care, not punishment.

5. What is the legal basis for declaring a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in India?

A. Environment Protection Act, 1986
B. Forest Rights Act, 2006
C. Biological Diversity Act, 2002 ✅
D. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

🧠 Explanation:
Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 empowers state governments to notify areas of ecological importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).

6. Which of the following are commonly found in a People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)?

1. Traditional knowledge of local medicinal plants
2. Inventory of flora and fauna in a village
3. Geo-political boundaries of Gram Panchayats
4. Details of local community practices

Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only ✅
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above

🧠 Explanation:
PBRs are documents maintained by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and include local biodiversity knowledge, species inventory, and community practices, but not geopolitical boundaries.