Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 23rd July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. First IMO: Held in Romania in 1959 - Correct. The first International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) took place in 1959 in Romania.

2. India's Best Performance in IMO: Achieved in 2024 - Correct. According to the source, India secured its best performance ever in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2024.

3. Host Country for 65th IMO: Bath, United Kingdom - Correct. The 65th International Mathematical Olympiad was held in Bath, United Kingdom.

4. India's Previous Highest Rank: 7th in IMO 1998 and IMO 2001 - Correct. India previously achieved its highest rank of 7th in both the 1998 and 2001 IMOs.

All four pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights India's opposition to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) due to its perceived violation of the principles set forth in the Paris Agreement. India argues that CBAM goes against the core tenets of the agreement and could negatively impact its exports of certain goods like iron, steel, and aluminium.

However, Statement-II presents an inaccurate description of the CBAM. While the CBAM does aim to address the issue of carbon leakage by imposing tariffs on imports based on their carbon content, the primary goal is to ensure that producers in countries with strong climate regulations are not disadvantaged compared to those in countries with laxer emission standards. The statement does not fully capture the nuanced purpose and mechanics of the CBAM, hence making it incorrect.

The International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) was founded in 1983. This global organization plays a crucial role in bringing together securities regulators worldwide to set rules for financial markets. Established with the objective of enhancing investor protection, ensuring fair and efficient markets, and supporting financial stability by mitigating significant risks, IOSCO has over 200 members representing 95% of the world's securities regulators.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to levy tariffs on energy-intensive imports to prevent local producers from facing a competitive disadvantage against producers from nations with less strict emission standards. This mechanism is designed to address concerns about carbon leakage and ensure that imports are subject to similar carbon pricing as products manufactured domestically.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the EU is designed to impose tariffs on imports that are energy-intensive to ensure that local producers are not at a competitive disadvantage compared to producers from countries with less stringent emission standards.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. India criticizes the CBAM because it contravenes the principles of the Paris Agreement and may negatively impact Indian exports of iron, steel, and aluminum.

- Statement 3 is correct. Transitioning to alternative energy sources in India does present its own set of challenges, including the adverse environmental impact of mining critical minerals in underdeveloped regions.

Hence, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. The statement that the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) operates independently but is connected to UNESCO is correct. The IMO functions autonomously while maintaining an affiliation with UNESCO, which helps in promoting the event globally and ensuring adherence to international educational standards.

2. The statement that the IMO foundation, a charitable entity, provides financial support to the competition is correct. The foundation accepts donations to support the organization and execution of the Olympiad, ensuring it remains a prestigious and well-funded event.

3. The statement that India's highest rank in the history of the IMO was achieved in 2024 is correct. In 2024, India achieved its best performance ever since joining the IMO in 1989, securing four Gold medals, one silver medal, and an honorable mention, ranking fourth globally.

Thus, all three statements are accurate, making Option D: 1, 2 and 3 the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly highlights the removal of the prohibition on government officials participating in RSS activities, indicating a significant policy change. Statement-II accurately summarizes key points from the Economic Survey of India for 2023-24, mentioning the projected GDP growth and improvements in external sector stability. While both statements are factually correct, they do not directly relate or explain each other. Statement-I focuses on a policy change regarding government officials, while Statement-II presents highlights from the Economic Survey. Thus, Option B is the correct answer as both statements are correct but do not explain each other.

1. Ordinary members: Include self-regulating organizations, stock exchanges, and industry associations for stock markets.
- Incorrect. Ordinary members consist of the primary regulators for futures markets and securities in a specific area. They each get one vote.
2. Associate members: Involve extra regulators for futures and securities in areas with multiple regulatory bodies.
- Correct. Associate members include additional regulators for futures and securities in regions with multiple regulatory bodies. They cannot vote and are not part of the Executive Committee but are part of the Presidents' Committee.
3. Affiliate members: Consist of the primary regulators for futures markets and securities in a specific area.
- Incorrect. Affiliate members involve self-regulating organizations, stock exchanges, and industry associations for stock markets. They cannot vote and are not part of the Executive Committee or the Presidents' Committee but may be part of the Self-Regulatory Organizations (SRO) Consultative Committee.
4. Founded in: 1983.
- Correct. IOSCO was founded in 1983.
Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

1. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has indeed removed the prohibition on government officials participating in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The directive was issued earlier this month, lifting a restriction that has been in place for several decades. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

2. The restriction on government servants from participating in RSS activities had been in place for almost six decades, not four decades. The prohibition dates back to the 1966 circular, and thus, Statement 2 is incorrect.

3. The 1980 circular did emphasize the need for secularism among government servants and reiterated orders against communal organizations, including the RSS. Therefore, Statement 3 is correct.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

1. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — Correctly matched. CBAM is a measure by the EU to levy tariffs on energy-intensive imports to prevent local producers from facing a competitive disadvantage against producers from nations with less strict emission standards.
2. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi — Incorrectly matched. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi is not related to enhancing renewable energy capacity. It is an initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare and education access for millions across the country.
3. Ayushman Bharat — Correctly matched. Ayushman Bharat is a program aimed at improving healthcare access in India.
4. Coal Gasification Mission — Correctly matched. The Coal Gasification Mission is an initiative to reduce emissions and save energy.
Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option C: Only three pairs.