Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th November 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Markhor is recognized as a flagship species, which means it symbolizes the conservation efforts in its mountainous habitat. Conservation efforts are critical due to the Markhor's 'Near Threatened' status, primarily driven by habitat loss from human encroachment. Protecting this species helps maintain the ecological balance in its environment, making it crucial for broader conservation initiatives. Interestingly, the Markhor's ability to thrive in rugged terrains can serve as an indicator of the overall health of its ecosystem.

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary is notable for being the first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary in India, covering a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River. The sanctuary was created to support the survival of turtles, particularly in the context of cultural practices involving the river. This initiative not only addresses ecological concerns but also integrates respect for local traditions, as the turtles help in the organic cleaning of the river. An interesting fact is that the sanctuary's breeding program collects approximately 2,000 turtle eggs annually from surrounding rivers to bolster the local population of turtles.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is primarily characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often due to blocked airways. This condition results in disrupted sleep patterns, leading to symptoms such as loud snoring and excessive daytime drowsiness. It's important to recognize OSA as a serious health issue that can lead to other complications, including heart disease and cognitive decline. Interestingly, untreated OSA has been linked to significant health risks, notably an increased likelihood of developing dementia in older adults, particularly among women.

Alstonia scholaris is commonly known as the blackboard tree, and it is notable for its distinctive whorled leaves arranged in clusters of seven, a feature that is reflected in its name 'saptaparni', meaning "seven leaves." This evergreen tree is significant in traditional medicine and has historical references in ancient texts. The lightweight wood from this tree has been used for crafting writing slates, which explains its nickname. Additionally, it plays an important ecological role in its native environments across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

The primary objective of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is to promote and support social science research across the country. Founded in 1969, ICSSR plays a crucial role in funding and coordinating research across various disciplines, collaborating with international organizations, and providing policy recommendations based on research findings. This focus on social science research helps to inform policies and improve social welfare in India, making it a pivotal institution in the academic landscape.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) launched the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), enabling citizens to report all types of cybercrime 24/7. This initiative is part of I4C's broader efforts to enhance the country's capability to combat cybercrime, streamline reporting processes, and raise public awareness about the prevention of cybercrimes. The portal serves as a vital tool for citizens to report incidents and help law enforcement agencies track and address cyber threats effectively.

The recently discovered black hole triple system is characterized by a central black hole that is actively consuming a star that is spiraling in closely, along with a second star that orbits the black hole at a much greater distance. This setup is distinct from typical binary systems, where two black holes or a black hole and a star are in closer proximity to each other. The presence of both a close and a distant star highlights the unique dynamics of this system. An interesting fact about black holes is that their formation can occur through various processes, and this particular system is notable because the central black hole, V404 Cygni, did not form via a supernova explosion but through a process known as direct collapse.

The primary economic challenge facing India is not primarily unemployment, but rather "employed poverty," where a substantial portion of the labor force remains engaged in low-productivity agricultural jobs. This situation leads to stagnant wages and limited social mobility, as many workers are trapped in informal self-employment with little opportunity for advancement. This condition severely hampers India’s overall economic growth and the potential for its workforce to transition into higher productivity sectors, such as manufacturing. An interesting aspect to note is that while India has a large labor force, the shift away from agriculture towards more productive sectors has been less pronounced compared to countries like China, which successfully transitioned many workers into manufacturing roles.

The primary challenge stemming from deindustrialization in Indian cities is the migration of rural populations into urban slums. As industries downsized or relocated, many workers lost their jobs, leading to a significant influx of people into cities where they often find inadequate housing and employment opportunities. This situation exacerbates urban poverty and contributes to the growth of informal settlements, where many live without basic amenities. An interesting fact is that nearly 40% of India's urban population resides in such peri-urban slums, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and job creation.

Urban flooding and air pollution are significant environmental challenges faced by the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The region has some of the most polluted cities globally, with severe air quality issues contributing to health risks for its residents. Additionally, increased impervious surfaces from urban development combined with inadequate drainage systems make the area particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains. Interestingly, the urban heat island effect, caused by extensive construction and reduced vegetation, further exacerbates these environmental concerns, impacting public health and living conditions.