Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 15th July 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Excess industrial capacity has led many firms to hesitate in expanding production, as they are already operating below optimal capacity. This lack of urgency to invest is compounded by weak consumer demand, which further discourages corporate investment. Interestingly, even with low interest rates, the reluctance persists, highlighting the complex dynamics of investment decisions.

Sulphur Dioxide is known to cause serious respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis, and is a precursor to PM2.5, which is linked to severe health complications like heart attacks and strokes. Understanding the health risks associated with air pollutants is crucial for developing effective environmental regulations.

Michał Kalecki suggested that investment can drive profits, challenging the traditional belief that higher profits lead to increased investment. This perspective emphasizes the importance of demand in stimulating economic activity and investment decisions. Kalecki's insights remain relevant in contemporary economic discussions about investment behavior.

The ADEETIE scheme aims to promote energy efficiency across various sectors, specifically targeting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By focusing on reducing energy consumption and emissions, the scheme aligns with India's climate objectives, including significant emission reductions by 2030.

In June 2025, India's CPI fell to a remarkable 2.1%, marking a 77-month low. Such a significant drop indicates a cooling inflationary trend, which can have profound implications for monetary policy and overall economic health. This decline is particularly noteworthy given the context of fluctuating prices in various sectors.

A major criticism of the claims surrounding India's Gini index is the absence of official data on income inequality. This gap hinders accurate assessments and comparisons, leading to misinterpretations of India's position in global inequality rankings. Reliable data is essential for informed policymaking and socio-economic analysis.

Category A thermal power plants, located near major cities, are required to comply with the new SO₂ emission norms by the end of 2027. This classification is part of a broader regulatory effort to mitigate air pollution and improve public health outcomes in urban areas.

Stringent eligibility criteria have significantly limited participation in the PLI schemes, hindering their effectiveness. Many companies find it challenging to meet the high standards set by the government, which delays the anticipated benefits such as job creation and economic growth within targeted sectors.

The primary focus of India's strategic partnership with Nigeria has been to establish development partnerships, including concessional loans and capacity-building initiatives. This approach aims to support Nigeria's socio-economic growth while enhancing India's influence in the region amidst competition from other global powers.

The revised SO₂ emission norms justify exemptions for several coal-based plants by stating that there is no significant difference in ambient SO₂ levels between cities with and without flue gas desulphurization (FGD) technology. This rationale aims to balance environmental goals with economic considerations, addressing the costs associated with retrofitting all plants.