Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 10th October 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The Marburg virus primarily spreads to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals, particularly Rousettus bats. Once a person is infected, the virus can also be transmitted between humans via direct contact with the blood and fluids of an infected individual. Unlike many common viruses, Marburg does not spread through the air, which makes understanding its transmission routes crucial for prevention efforts. An interesting fact is that the Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 during outbreaks in Germany, highlighting its historical significance in virology.

The case fatality rate for Marburg Virus Disease can vary greatly, ranging from 24% to 88%, depending on the strain of the virus and the effectiveness of case management. This wide range underscores the severity of the illness and the importance of prompt medical intervention. The high fatality rate is a significant concern for public health, as it reflects the challenges in treating patients and controlling outbreaks effectively. An additional fact is that Marburg virus belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, which also has a high case fatality rate.

The primary purpose of rice fortification is to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies in populations that heavily rely on rice as a staple food. By adding essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to rice, the initiative aims to improve public health outcomes, particularly in regions where dietary deficiencies are common. This method is cost-effective and culturally acceptable, making it an important public health strategy. Interestingly, fortified rice maintains a similar aroma, taste, and texture to regular rice, ensuring that consumers do not notice a difference while benefiting from enhanced nutrition.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to impose a carbon price on imports from nations with less rigorous climate regulations. This initiative is designed to prevent carbon leakage, where companies move production to countries with looser environmental standards to avoid stringent EU climate policies. By ensuring that imported goods incur similar carbon costs as those produced within the EU, the mechanism promotes fair competition and encourages global decarbonization efforts. An interesting fact is that similar mechanisms are being discussed in various regions as part of broader climate strategies, highlighting the global shift towards more sustainable trade practices.

The Agasthyamalai Bambootail is distinguished by its lack of an anal bridge vein in its wings, which sets it apart from other species in the bambootail group. This newly identified damselfly exhibits long black bodies with vibrant blue markings and was discovered in a specific region of the Western Ghats. This discovery contributes to our understanding of biodiversity in that area, which is known for its rich and unique ecosystems. Another interesting fact about damselflies is that they are often found near water bodies, where they play a crucial role in the aquatic food chain.

The primary goal of the rice fortification initiative is to enhance the nutritional value of rice to combat malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women and children. By fortifying rice, which is a staple food for a significant portion of the Indian population, the government aims to address deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. This initiative is crucial in a country where malnutrition rates are high, and it reflects a strategic approach to improve public health through dietary enhancements. Interestingly, fortified rice can be cooked and consumed just like regular rice, making it an accessible solution for many households.

The striking workers at Samsung's factory are primarily advocating for higher wages, the implementation of a standardized eight-hour workday, improved working conditions, and official recognition of their union, the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU). These demands reflect a desire for better financial stability and work-life balance, as well as acknowledgment of their collective bargaining rights. Interestingly, despite these demands, Samsung has historically maintained a strict no-union policy for over 80 years.

The MPC shifted its policy stance from 'Withdrawal of Accommodation' to 'Neutral'. This change indicates a willingness to adjust interest rates based on emerging economic data concerning inflation and growth, rather than a strict approach to reducing the money supply. This flexibility is crucial in responding to ongoing economic challenges while fostering a stable financial environment. It's noteworthy that maintaining a neutral stance allows the RBI to react more promptly to changing economic conditions, which is essential for effective monetary policy management.

The RB-CRIS is significant as it seeks to enhance access to climate-related data for regulated entities, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding climate risks. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the financial sector's role in addressing climate change and its impacts. By providing a public web-based directory of data sources and standardized datasets, the RBI aims to promote transparency and better risk management practices in the face of climate challenges. This development underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic planning and financial decision-making.

The primary objective of the IBSAMAR exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen collaboration among the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa. This joint maritime drill focuses on various aspects of naval warfare, including surface and anti-air operations, thereby improving the participating countries' ability to work together effectively in maritime security operations. The significance of such exercises lies in their role in fostering trust and friendship among partner nations, which is vital for maintaining peace and security in international waters. An interesting aspect of IBSAMAR is that it not only involves tactical exercises but also professional exchanges that enhance learning and cooperation among the naval forces involved.