Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 17th May 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

Sikkim Day is celebrated on May 16 to commemorate the historic event in 1975 when the Kingdom of Sikkim officially became a state of India. This integration marked a significant political change for Sikkim, which had been a Buddhist monarchy for over 300 years. The decision to merge was supported by a referendum where an overwhelming majority of voters favored joining India, reflecting the desire for stability and development.

The Treaty of Tumlong, signed in 1861, established Sikkim as a British protectorate. This treaty allowed the local Chogyals to maintain internal authority while the British managed Sikkim's external affairs. This arrangement marked a crucial point in Sikkim's history, as it began to align closely with British colonial interests, ultimately leading to its integration into India after independence.

Rajon ki Baoli was built in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan Lodi, who was an official under Sikandar Lodi. This stepwell is a significant example of 16th-century architecture and reflects the historical context of the Lodi era in India. An interesting fact is that stepwells like Rajon ki Baoli were essential not only for water supply but also served as social and religious gathering places.

The primary purpose of the Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB) within the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) is to protect against financial instability. It ensures that the Reserve Bank of India maintains sufficient risk provisioning to safeguard its financial health before any surplus can be transferred to the government. This buffer is crucial for maintaining confidence in the financial system, especially during economic uncertainties.

The data indicates that 57% of women aged 15 to 49 in India are anaemic, which highlights a significant public health issue. This high prevalence of anaemia among women is a critical concern as it affects their overall health and the nutritional status of their families. An interesting fact is that anaemia can lead to various health complications, including fatigue, weakened immune function, and complications during pregnancy.

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) primarily focuses on solar research, making significant contributions to understanding solar phenomena and their effects on Earth. Established in 1899, KoSO has been instrumental in advancing our knowledge of solar dynamics, including the discovery of the Evershed Effect. This observatory is notable for maintaining one of the longest continuous datasets on solar activity, which is crucial for studying the Sun's impact on climate and space weather.

The recent hooch tragedy in Punjab was primarily caused by the consumption of spurious liquor, which is often toxic and made from harmful substances like methanol. This incident highlights critical issues related to poverty, lack of regulation, and corruption that drive individuals to seek cheap and unsafe alcohol. It underlines the urgent need for better regulatory oversight and public safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Interestingly, hooch tragedies are not isolated events; they often occur in regions where alcohol regulations are weak, reflecting broader social and economic challenges.

The Supreme Court ruled that prior environmental clearance is mandatory for projects, thereby striking down previous notifications that allowed for ex-post facto clearances. This ruling reinforces the legal framework governing environmental protection in India, emphasizing that no project should operate without prior approval to ensure compliance with environmental laws. The Court's decision aligns with the constitutional right to a pollution-free environment, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental governance and sustainability. An interesting fact is that this ruling not only impacts current projects but also sets a precedent for stricter adherence to environmental regulations in the future.

Operation Sindoor was primarily aimed at conducting counter-terrorism operations against terrorist groups responsible for attacks in Kashmir, specifically following a deadly incident in Pahalgam. This operation marked a significant shift in India's military strategy, moving towards a doctrine of deterrence by punishment, which involved targeting high-value assets linked to terrorism across the border. This approach reflects India's evolving stance in national security, emphasizing proactive measures to enhance regional stability.

The Lodi Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526, which includes the period during which Rajon ki Baoli was constructed in 1506. This dynasty is notable for its contributions to agriculture and culture in India. An interesting aspect of the Lodi Dynasty is that it was the last dynasty before the establishment of Mughal rule, marking a significant transition in Indian history.