Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 10th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The main goal of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is to align import costs with carbon emissions, thus encouraging global efforts towards decarbonization. This mechanism aims to prevent carbon leakage and ensure fair competition by imposing a carbon price on imports from nations with less stringent climate regulations, ultimately fostering environmental sustainability and climate action on a global scale.

The primary demand of the Samsung workers on strike is the recognition of their newly formed union, the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU). This demand is significant as it signifies the workers' desire for formal acknowledgment and representation in labor-related matters within the company. Recognizing a labor union can grant workers collective bargaining power and a platform to address workplace issues effectively.

1. Caracal - Also known as 'siya gosh' in India, meaning 'black ear': Correct. The Caracal is referred to as 'siya gosh' in India, which indeed means 'black ear,' derived from Persian.

2. Caracal Habitat - Found only in deserts: Incorrect. Caracals are not limited to deserts; they are found in various ecosystems, including woodlands, savannahs, and scrub forests.

3. IUCN Status of Caracal - Endangered: Incorrect. The Caracal is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, not Endangered.

4. Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 - Caracal classified under Schedule I: Correct. The Caracal is classified under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which affords it the highest level of protection in India.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. Caracals are not primarily diurnal; they are mostly nocturnal. They are known for their agility and remarkable skill in catching birds mid-flight, but their activity is predominantly during the night.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. In India, the Caracal is classified under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which affords them the highest level of protection due to their vulnerable status and threats from habitat loss and hunting.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The global distribution of Caracals is broader than stated; they inhabit not only Africa and the Middle East but also parts of Central Asia and South Asia, including regions in India.

Thus, only statement 2 is correct, making Option C: 2 Only the correct answer.

- Statement 1: The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 requires a 14-day notice period before a strike can begin. This is a correct statement as per the regulations mentioned in the context of labor laws in India.

- Statement 2: This statement is incorrect. Historically, Samsung has enforced a strict no-union policy for over 80 years, resisting any attempts at collective bargaining by employees. Although some changes have occurred recently, with unions being recognized in certain parts of its operations like in South Korea, it is not accurate to say that Samsung has allowed unions to operate freely historically.

- Statement 3: This is correct. The registration of the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) is under judicial review due to objections from Samsung management, citing trademark issues. This reflects ongoing legal challenges faced by the union.

Therefore, the statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 3 Only the correct choice.

Statement-I discusses characteristics of the Caracal, a secretive and primarily nocturnal species known for its agility in catching birds mid-flight. This aligns with the information provided . However, Statement-II inaccurately describes the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as aiming to reduce carbon emissions through incentives for domestic producers. In reality, the CBAM is a policy initiative aimed at imposing a carbon price on imports from nations with less stringent climate regulations to mitigate carbon emissions and ensure fair competition, not through incentives for domestic producers.

- Statement-I is incorrect. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest peak in the world, not the fifth. It stands at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet).
- Statement-II is correct. The first successful ascent of Mount Dhaulagiri was achieved by a Swiss/Austrian team led by Kurt Diemberger in 1960.
- Therefore, the correct answer is D: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Statement-I incorrectly states that the Marburg virus is primarily transmitted through the air, which is not accurate. The Marburg virus is not an airborne virus like common cold viruses; instead, it spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Statement-II correctly identifies the primary modes of transmission of the Marburg virus, which aligns with the information provided in the source material.

The Marburg virus is characterized by a varying case fatality rate, which can range from 24% to 88% depending on the specific strain of the virus and the management of cases. This high fatality rate underscores the severity of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and the importance of effective public health measures in containing outbreaks.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. The Marburg virus is part of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus.
This statement is correct. The Marburg virus and the Ebola virus both belong to the filovirus family, known for causing severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans and nonhuman primates.

2. The primary mode of transmission to humans is through airborne particles released by infected individuals.
This statement is incorrect. The Marburg virus primarily spreads from animals to humans through contact with Rousettus bats and among humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or tissues of infected individuals. It does not transmit through the air like the cold or flu viruses.

3. There are currently approved vaccines available for the prevention of Marburg Virus Disease.
This statement is incorrect. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for Marburg Virus Disease. Supportive care is the main approach to managing the disease.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.