15th April 2025

Consider the following statements about the recently approved global carbon tax on the shipping sector:

1. The tax applies only to vessels above 8,000 gross tonnage operating in the Arctic Ocean.
2. Revenue generated will fund climate adaptation projects in small island nations through the Green Climate Fund.
3. The tax thresholds are determined by a ship’s compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s Energy Efficiency Design Index.
4. Countries opposing the tax include Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, while the U.S. abstained from voting.

Which of the statements given above are incorrect?

The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel:

1. Is nocturnal and relies on gliding membranes to traverse between deciduous forests.
2. Is classified as “Endangered” under the IUCN Red List due to habitat fragmentation.
3. Plays a critical role as a keystone species by dispersing seeds of tropical trees.
4. Is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Which of the above statements are correct?

Concerning Legionnaires’ disease, which of the following is/are true?

1. It is caused by inhalation of contaminated aerosols from artificial water systems.
2. Pontiac fever is a severe variant requiring antibiotic treatment.
3. No vaccine exists, but mortality can be reduced with early diagnosis.
4. Outbreaks are often linked to algal blooms in freshwater lakes.

Answer Options:

The Taiwan Strait is strategically significant because:

1. It hosts the Pescadores Islands, which are administered by the People’s Republic of China.
2. Over one-third of global container traffic transits through it annually.
3. Its average depth exceeds 200 meters, enabling submarine navigation.
4. It was a flashpoint during the 1954–55 and 1958 Sino-American crises.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Regarding the PM-POSHAN Scheme, which of the following is/are correct?

1. It mandates a daily caloric intake of 450 kcal for upper primary students through hot cooked meals.
2. The revised material cost for Balvatika students is indexed to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.
3. States contributing additional funds can enhance meal nutritional value beyond central guidelines.
4. The scheme is jointly administered by the Ministries of Education and Women and Child Development.

Select the correct answer: