Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 12th May 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The primary purpose of the Soviet Kosmos 482 spacecraft was to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus. It was part of the Venera Program, which aimed to explore Venus's harsh conditions. Although it was designed for this purpose, Kosmos 482 encountered a malfunction that prevented it from successfully leaving Earth's orbit. This highlights the challenges faced in early space exploration missions, especially when targeting planets with extreme environments.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 3.8% probability of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032. This relatively low probability indicates that while there is some risk, it is not significant enough to warrant immediate concern. Asteroids are monitored closely, and this incident underscores the importance of tracking Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to assess potential threats to both the Moon and Earth.

Article 51 of the United Nations Charter explicitly allows member states to engage in self-defence if they are the subject of an armed attack. This provision is crucial as it provides a legal framework for countries to respond militarily when their sovereignty is threatened. An interesting fact is that this article has been cited in various international disputes and conflicts to justify military actions, highlighting its importance in international law.

The right to self-defence in international law is contingent upon two main criteria: necessity and proportionality. Necessity means that the force used must be essential to respond to an armed attack, while proportionality dictates that the response must not exceed what is required to repel the attack. This ensures that self-defence actions are measured and justified rather than excessive or retaliatory. A notable aspect of these criteria is their role in maintaining international peace and security by preventing escalations of violence.

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India as of 2021 is 2.0. This rate suggests that the country is making progress towards stabilizing its population, as it is close to the replacement level TFR of 2.1, which is necessary to maintain a stable population over time. A TFR of 2.0 indicates that each woman, on average, is having enough children to replace herself and her partner, which is a positive signal towards curbing uncontrolled population growth.

Bihar reported the highest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 3.0 as of 2021. This figure indicates a higher average number of children per woman compared to other states, which can pose challenges for social services and economic planning. The significant variations in TFR among different states highlight the diverse demographic challenges faced by India, making targeted policy responses essential for effective population management.

Digital Banking Units (DBUs) are designed to provide essential digital banking services, which include offerings such as savings and current accounts, as well as fixed and recurring deposits. This initiative aims to enhance banking access, particularly in underserved areas, by utilizing digital infrastructure to facilitate these banking products. Understanding the role of DBUs is crucial for recognizing how they contribute to financial inclusion in remote regions.

The Chenab River is noted as the largest river in Himachal Pradesh in terms of water volume. It originates from the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga streams and plays a significant role in the hydrology of the region. The river not only supports irrigation but also has historical significance as part of the Indus River system, highlighting its importance in both ecological and socio-economic contexts.

Caste enumeration in India is crucial because it provides essential data for formulating evidence-based policies aimed at social justice and effective reservation systems. Without accurate caste data, the implementation of these policies can be flawed, leading to inadequate support for marginalized groups. The initiative to conduct a caste census reflects a commitment to recognizing and addressing socio-economic disparities in Indian society, ultimately fostering a more equitable environment for all citizens.

For the "unwilling or unable" doctrine to apply, the host state must be unable to control or address the threat posed by non-state actors operating within its territory. This principle has gained prominence in international law, especially in scenarios where non-state terrorism is involved. Countries have invoked this doctrine to justify military interventions, asserting that when a state cannot manage threats emanating from its territory, other states may take action to protect themselves. This raises significant debates about state sovereignty and international intervention.