Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 16th July 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The significant shift in U.S. foreign policy during Donald Trump's presidency is characterized by a move towards unilateralism and a preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral cooperation. This change has notably sidelined international institutions like the United Nations, impacting global diplomatic dynamics and the collective power of nations, particularly those in the Global South. Unilateralism emphasizes national self-sufficiency, which contrasts sharply with the principles of multilateralism that rely on collaborative efforts.

Article 29 of the Indian Constitution empowers citizens to preserve their distinct language, script, or culture, safeguarding linguistic diversity and preventing discrimination based on language. This provision is crucial in promoting India's rich cultural tapestry and ensuring that linguistic plurality is respected, thus contributing to social cohesion and national unity. An interesting fact is that India recognizes 22 languages in its Eighth Schedule, reflecting its vast linguistic diversity.

The primary aim of the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) implemented in India is to connect seized rhino horns to poaching incidents, thereby enhancing wildlife forensics and combating illegal trade. This system creates a genetic database that allows authorities to trace confiscated horns back to specific animals or poaching sites, making it a vital tool in the fight against rhino poaching. An additional fact is that the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is a key species for biodiversity in its habitat, and effective conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.

The key focus of the Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, is to empower youth with employable skills, aiming to train 40 crore individuals across various economic sectors. This initiative is particularly significant for enhancing the employability of rural youth, women, and marginalized communities. An interesting aspect of the mission is its alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring that training and certifications meet quality standards recognized across the country.

India's strategic autonomy in foreign relations entails balancing its relationships with major powers while firmly protecting its core interests. This approach is critical, especially in the context of recent diplomatic challenges and the need to assert its influence on the global stage. India’s ability to navigate complex international dynamics reflects its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and promoting its national priorities. Notably, this strategy is essential for fostering robust partnerships without compromising its independent decision-making.

A significant decrease in registrations of untouchability-related offences has been observed in India, with only 13 cases reported under the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act in 2022. This trend raises concerns about the effectiveness of legal mechanisms designed to combat untouchability, highlighting systemic inefficiencies in law enforcement. Interestingly, despite this decline in reported cases, there is a growing application of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, indicating a shift in how caste-based discrimination is being addressed legally.

The significance of the Prime Minister Professorships program lies in its initiative to utilize the expertise of retired scientists and industry professionals to mentor state universities, thereby enhancing their research capabilities. This program aims to strengthen India's research and development ecosystem through collaborative networks and shared best practices, ultimately fostering a culture of innovation. An additional fact is that this program follows a hub-and-spoke model, linking top institutions with emerging universities to facilitate knowledge transfer.

A new species of skipper butterfly named Zographetus mathewi was discovered in the biologically rich Western Ghats of India. This species adds to the known biodiversity of the region and emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts. Interestingly, Zographetus mathewi is endemic to low-elevation forests in Kerala and is distinguished from similar species by unique wing venation patterns and genitalia structures. The discovery underscores the rich ecological heritage of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The primary challenge identified in the effort to decarbonize global shipping is the high production costs of green fuels, which significantly exceed those of traditional fuels. For example, green e-methanol can cost around $1,950 per tonne compared to $560 per tonne for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). This economic barrier poses a significant hurdle to widespread adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. A notable trend is that India aims to leverage its renewable energy capabilities, particularly solar power, to become a key player in the production of green marine fuels.

The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It faces significant threats from poaching driven by the illegal wildlife trade, as well as habitat degradation caused by floods, encroachment, and climate change. Conservation efforts, including the implementation of the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS), aim to combat these threats by enhancing forensics and linking poaching incidents to specific rhinos. An interesting fact is that the population of this species has seen a remarkable recovery, increasing from approximately 1,500 in the 1980s to over 4,000 in 2024, primarily found in Assam.