Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 15th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. UNICEF Headquarters - New York City: This pair is correctly matched. UNICEF's headquarters are indeed located in New York City.

2. Biopolymers Source - Derived from synthetic materials: This pair is incorrectly matched. Biopolymers are derived from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins, not from synthetic materials.

3. Haber-Bosch Process Product - Ammonia: This pair is correctly matched. The Haber-Bosch process combines nitrogen and hydrogen to produce ammonia, which is crucial for fertilizer production.

4. Nobel Prize 2024 Focus - Environmental Policies: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for 2024 was awarded for research on the influence of societal institutions on economic success, not specifically on environmental policies.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) primarily aims to foster world peace through parliamentary diplomacy. It works towards promoting representative democracy, advocating for peace, democracy, and sustainable development globally, and encouraging cooperation and dialogue among nations.

- Statement 1 is correct. THAAD is indeed designed to intercept and neutralize short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight using a "hit to kill" strategy. This involves destroying the missile with kinetic energy, ensuring the threat is neutralized effectively.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. THAAD's targeting capabilities range from 150 to 200 kilometers, not 250 to 300 kilometers. This range allows it to effectively engage incoming threats at significant distances but within the specified range.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. THAAD was developed by the United States in response to the challenges posed by Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, not during the Korean War in the 1950s. The development was aimed at providing a robust defense mechanism against ballistic missile threats that were prominent during the Gulf War.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

1. Statement 1 is Correct: The right to form associations or unions is indeed a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution. This article guarantees all citizens the right to form associations or unions, which is a crucial aspect of the right to unionize.

2. Statement 2 is Correct: The Trade Unions Act, 1926, provides legal immunity for registered trade unions against civil and criminal actions. This legal framework is designed to protect unions from certain liabilities, facilitating their role in representing workers.

3. Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947 recognizes the practice of collective bargaining, it is not categorized as a fundamental right. Collective bargaining is a process regulated by industrial law, and while it plays a significant role in labor relations, it is not enshrined as a fundamental right within the Constitution.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both statements 1 and 2 are accurate, and statement 3 is not correct based on the provided context.

To determine the correct statements, let's evaluate each one:

1. Statement 1: "UNICEF was founded in 1946 to address the needs of children affected by World War II."
This statement is correct. UNICEF was indeed established in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II.

2. Statement 2: "UNICEF's funding comes entirely from compulsory contributions by United Nations member states."
This statement is incorrect. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, private donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector, rather than compulsory contributions.

3. Statement 3: "UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for its efforts in child welfare."
This statement is correct. UNICEF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 in recognition of its continued efforts in improving the welfare of children around the world.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the right answer.

Statement-I correctly describes the Jordan Valley as spanning approximately 105 kilometers in length, running from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea and marking Jordan's western border with Israel and the West Bank. However, Statement-II is incorrect in stating that the Jordan Valley constitutes over one-fifth of Israel's territory. In reality, it is a significant part of Jordan's territory, not Israel's. The key geographic feature mentioned, the Dead Sea, is indeed the lowest point on Earth, but the attribution of the valley to Israel's territory is inaccurate. Hence, Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

Both statements are accurate. Statement-I correctly identifies the right to form associations or unions as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution. Statement-II aligns with the Supreme Court's ruling in the case of B. Singh vs Union of India, emphasizing that restrictions on this right can only be justified under specific circumstances related to public order, morality, sovereignty, or the integrity of India. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides an explanation for Statement-I.

1. Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution - Right to form associations or unions Correct. Article 19(1)(c) indeed provides the fundamental right to form associations or unions.

2. Section 4 of the Trade Unions Act, 1926 - Eligibility for trade union registration Correct. Section 4 of the Trade Unions Act, 1926, specifies that any seven or more members of a trade union may apply for registration of the trade union.

3. Section 22 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 - Conditions for a valid strike Correct. Section 22 outlines various conditions under which a strike is considered valid, including notice requirements and restrictions during conciliation.

4. Section 6(e) of the Trade Unions Act, 1926 - Prohibition of external leaders in unions Incorrect. Section 6(e) does not prohibit external leaders; it allows for honorary or temporary members to be office-bearers, permitting external assistance for unions.

The primary objective of UNICEF, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, is to promote education and healthcare for children globally. UNICEF operates in numerous countries and territories, working to safeguard the rights and well-being of children worldwide.

The primary goal of the MAHA-EV Mission is to establish India as a leader in the global electric vehicle market by fostering the development of essential electric vehicle technologies. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports, encourage domestic innovation, and enhance India's competitiveness in the EV sector on a global scale. By focusing on critical technology verticals such as Tropical EV Batteries and Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD), and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, the mission seeks to propel India towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future while boosting its capabilities in designing and developing key EV components.