Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 18th April 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

NASA's Curiosity Rover discovered carbonate minerals, specifically siderite, on Mars. This finding provides evidence of a potential carbon cycle on the planet. Carbonate minerals are significant because they suggest that carbon dioxide, which is essential for life as we know it, might have been present in Mars' geological history. This discovery enhances our understanding of Martian geology and its capacity to support life.

The primary goal of the government's equity conversion in Vodafone Idea was to stabilize the telecom sector financially. By converting delayed spectrum liabilities into equity, the government aimed to provide necessary financial relief to Vodafone Idea, which had been significantly impacted by legacy dues. This intervention is intended to ensure that key players in the telecom market remain solvent, thereby preserving consumer access and competition.

The main function of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems is to remove sulphur compounds, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2), from the exhaust emissions of fossil fuel power stations. These systems can eliminate up to 95% of sulfur dioxide, which is crucial for reducing air pollution and meeting environmental regulations. The need for such technology highlights the ongoing efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of coal-fired power generation.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization established to conserve seven major big cat species worldwide. Launched in 2023, the alliance aims to foster international cooperation for the conservation of these species, which include tigers, lions, leopards, and others. This initiative reflects a significant commitment to global biodiversity preservation.

The primary challenges facing India's public health system include severe overcrowding in hospitals and a critical shortage of healthcare personnel. Reports indicate that the doctor-to-prisoner ratio in jails is alarmingly low, and the mental health system is under-resourced. These issues hinder effective healthcare delivery and highlight the urgent need for systematic reforms to improve health outcomes.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) plays a crucial role in the search for extraterrestrial life by detecting biosignatures in the atmospheres of exoplanets. For instance, it has identified gases such as dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the atmosphere of K2-18 b, which are associated with biological processes on Earth. This capability enhances our understanding of potential life beyond our planet.

A significant finding related to the carbon cycle on Mars was the discovery of siderite, a carbonate mineral containing carbon, by the Curiosity Rover. This suggests that a considerable amount of Mars' past carbon dioxide may be trapped in its crust, indicating a limited and slow carbon cycle on the planet. These insights are crucial for understanding Mars' geological history and its potential to support life.

The 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme is a significant initiative launched to address various health challenges in India, including the mental health crisis. This scheme aims to enhance public health infrastructure, provide financial protection for health services, and improve access to care, thereby facilitating better mental health support and reducing stigma associated with mental health disorders.

The Indian government's intervention in the telecommunications sector aims to maintain regulatory integrity by providing financial relief to Vodafone Idea through equity conversion while ensuring that operational control remains with the Vodafone Group and Aditya Birla Group. This approach helps to stabilize the sector without compromising management accountability and prevents perceptions of nationalization.

The urgent challenges highlighted in Indian prisons include severe overcrowding and a lack of mental health resources. With an increasing inmate population and a critical shortage of healthcare personnel, including psychologists, these issues pose significant risks to the health and safety of inmates, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the prison healthcare system.