Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 22nd January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO was primarily driven by dissatisfaction with the organization's management during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump criticized the WHO for its perceived delayed response and leniency towards China, which he believed compromised the effectiveness of the global health response. This move underscores the complexities of international health diplomacy, where nations may prioritize national interests over collaborative global health efforts. An interesting fact is that the U.S. was the largest contributor to WHO's budget, making its exit particularly impactful on global health programs.

Climate change is significantly impacting boreal forests, making them more susceptible to forest fires. These forests play a crucial role as carbon sinks, but as temperatures rise and weather patterns change, the frequency and intensity of wildfires in these regions are increasing. This not only threatens the forests themselves but also the global climate, as the loss of trees reduces the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere. An interesting fact is that boreal forests cover approximately 29% of the world's forested area, making them vital for biodiversity and climate regulation.

Boreal forests play a critical role as carbon sinks, storing more carbon than all tropical forests combined. This is primarily due to the accumulation of organic matter in the colder environments of these forests. The ability to sequester carbon is vital in combating climate change, as it helps to mitigate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Interestingly, while boreal forests are crucial for carbon storage, they also support a unique range of wildlife adapted to cold climates, further contributing to their ecological importance.

The Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme aims to enhance the global competitiveness of India's diamond industry by allowing duty-free imports of specific diamonds for export purposes. This initiative is designed to support exporters, particularly those with a significant export volume, and helps to maintain India’s leadership role in the diamond value chain. An interesting fact is that the scheme not only facilitates larger exporters but also aims to create a more equitable playing ground for smaller, MSME exporters, addressing the competitive challenges they face against larger companies.

The Asan Conservation Reserve is primarily significant for its role as a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, boasting approximately 330 species, including critically endangered and vulnerable birds. This high level of avian diversity underscores its importance in ecological conservation efforts. Additionally, the ACR is recognized as an Important Bird Area, which highlights its crucial function in supporting bird populations and biodiversity. An interesting fact about this reserve is that it was established in 2005 and is recognized as the first Ramsar site in Uttarakhand, emphasizing its global ecological importance.

The Asan Conservation Reserve plays a crucial role as a habitat for migratory and native birds, which is essential for maintaining biodiversity in the region. Protecting such reserves is vital for ecological balance and supports broader conservation efforts, particularly within important migratory pathways like the Central Asian Flyways. An interesting fact is that these pathways are critical for numerous bird species that travel thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds, highlighting the importance of conservation areas in supporting their life cycles.

The US President signed an executive order to change the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley. This decision reflects a continuing debate over the mountain's name, which has historical significance and touches on the cultural sentiments of both local Native Alaskan populations and broader American history. The name "Denali," meaning "The High One" in the Koyukon language, is favored by many, while "Mount McKinley" was named in honor of President William McKinley. This situation highlights the complexities of geography, history, and identity in naming significant landmarks.

The U.S.-India civil nuclear deal has faced significant challenges, one of which is the unfulfilled energy promises. Despite the expectations for robust nuclear cooperation and the potential for clean energy production, various bureaucratic hurdles and structural challenges have stalled projects. This issue highlights the complexities involved in international agreements, especially in sectors like energy, where regulatory and operational frameworks must align for successful implementation. Interestingly, the deal was a turning point in U.S.-India relations, moving beyond previous estrangements during the Cold War era, and it aimed to foster deeper military and technological ties.

The Pralay missile is specifically designed for surface-to-surface operations, particularly for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC). Its development aimed to enhance India's tactical capabilities in border security scenarios. Notably, the missile features advanced guidance systems that enable it to hit targets with high precision, showcasing India's growing expertise in indigenous missile technology. An interesting fact is that the Pralay missile is capable of altering its trajectory mid-air, which significantly enhances its effectiveness against diverse targets.

The primary legal challenge tied to Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship is that it necessitates a constitutional amendment to be enacted. This means that a two-thirds majority is required in both the House and the Senate, as well as approval from three-quarters of the state legislatures. The Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born in the U.S., stands as a significant barrier to this order. An interesting fact is that the concept of birthright citizenship was established to ensure that former slaves and their descendants were granted citizenship, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the United States during the Reconstruction era.

The primary reason for the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO was dissatisfaction with the organization's management during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump criticized the WHO for its delayed response and perceived leniency towards China regarding accountability for the pandemic. This dissatisfaction led to a broader debate about the U.S.'s role in global health diplomacy and its commitment to multilateral cooperation. An interesting fact is that the U.S. was the largest financial contributor to the WHO, and its withdrawal represented a significant shift in global health governance dynamics.

Boreal forests, also known as Taiga, are characterized by their long, cold winters and short, mild summers. This climate greatly influences the types of vegetation found in these forests, with coniferous trees such as pines, spruces, and larches being dominant. In contrast to nutrient-rich soils, boreal forest soils are typically acidic and nutrient-poor, which impacts the types of plants that can thrive in these conditions. An interesting fact about boreal forests is that they cover about 29% of the world's forest area and play a crucial role in carbon storage, helping to mitigate climate change effects.

Boreal forests play a critical role in combating climate change as they act as significant carbon sinks, storing more carbon than all tropical forests combined. This is largely due to the accumulation of organic matter in the cold environments where they thrive. By sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, these forests help mitigate the effects of climate change. Interestingly, the preservation of boreal forests is essential not just for carbon storage, but also for maintaining global biodiversity, as they support a wide range of wildlife adapted to cold climates.

The Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme aims to enhance the global competitiveness of India's diamond industry by allowing duty-free imports of natural cut and polished diamonds for export purposes. By facilitating easier access to necessary materials and supporting smaller exporters, the scheme seeks to ensure that India maintains its leadership role in the diamond value chain worldwide. This initiative is particularly significant given the competitive pressures from other diamond-producing countries that require local value addition.

The DIA Scheme is designed to enhance the competitive edge of India's diamond industry on a global scale. This strategic initiative aims to support not only the larger players but also smaller exporters, ensuring a more robust and diverse industry. By improving competitiveness, the government seeks to strengthen India's position in the global diamond market, which is crucial for economic growth and employment in the sector. An interesting fact is that India has been a leading player in the diamond industry for decades, known for its diamond cutting and polishing capabilities, which have contributed significantly to the country's economy.

The Asan Conservation Reserve plays a crucial role as a habitat for both migratory and native birds, which is essential for biodiversity conservation. By providing a safe environment for these birds, the reserve helps maintain ecological balance and supports broader conservation efforts within the Central Asian Flyways. This highlights the importance of protected areas in preserving wildlife and promoting ecological health. An interesting fact is that migratory birds often travel thousands of miles during their migration, making habitats like the Asan Conservation Reserve vital for their survival.

The Denali Fault plays a critical role in the geological history of southern Alaska, as it represents the terminal suture zone where two landmasses united millions of years ago. Over time, extensive tectonic activity has caused significant horizontal movement along the fault, disrupting the geological features that were once part of a single entity. This geological process highlights the dynamic nature of Earth's crust and the forces that shape our planet. Interestingly, the Denali Fault is also associated with significant seismic activity, making it a focus for geologists studying earthquake risks in the region.

The U.S.-India civil nuclear deal has encountered numerous challenges, particularly unfulfilled energy promises and regulatory barriers. These issues have prevented the agreement from reaching its full potential in energy production and cooperation. The complexities of regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic processes have stalled projects, highlighting the need for reform in these areas to enhance collaboration. An interesting fact is that despite these challenges, the deal marked a significant shift in U.S.-India relations, fostering greater trust and opening the door for deeper military and technological ties.

The Pralay missile is specifically designed as a short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile. Its development focuses on addressing tactical needs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC) between India and its neighboring countries. This missile showcases advanced technology, including a solid-propellant rocket motor and sophisticated guidance systems that allow for precise targeting. Interestingly, the Pralay missile can reach terminal speeds of Mach 6.1, enabling it to effectively target installations that are critical to defense operations, such as radar installations and command centers.

President Trump's executive order sought to end birthright citizenship specifically for children born to parents who lack legal status. This move challenges the traditional interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, which has historically guaranteed citizenship to all individuals born in the United States. The proposal has sparked significant legal backlash and would require a constitutional amendment to implement, showcasing the complexities involved in altering established citizenship laws. An interesting fact is that the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted in 1868, primarily to ensure that former slaves would receive citizenship rights after the Civil War.