Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 20th February 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) is primarily responsible for the regulation, oversight, and inspection of dams throughout India. Established under the National Dam Safety Act of 2021, its creation aims to enhance the safety and management of dams, ensuring that they are maintained properly to prevent potential disasters. Interestingly, the establishment of the NDSA underscores the importance of dam safety in a country that relies significantly on its waterways for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.

The NDSA is primarily responsible for formulating policies and guidelines that govern the construction, maintenance, and operation of dams. This role is critical to ensuring that dams are built and maintained safely, which helps prevent disasters and protects both people and the environment. Effective policy formulation is essential in setting standards that all dam operators must follow to ensure safety and reliability. Interestingly, dam safety regulations can vary widely from one region to another, reflecting local environmental conditions and historical experiences with dam failures.

The primary fuel for nuclear fusion is heavy hydrogen, specifically isotopes such as deuterium and tritium. These isotopes are abundant in seawater, making fusion a potentially limitless energy source. Unlike fission, which relies on uranium, fusion's reliance on heavy hydrogen presents a significant advantage in terms of resource availability and environmental impact, as it does not require the same level of mining and processing associated with traditional nuclear fuels. Additionally, the energy produced from fusion is immensely higher per kilogram than that from fission, leading to its classification as a more efficient and cleaner energy solution.

The primary function of the 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer developed by ISRO is to mix solid rocket propellant ingredients, specifically fuel and oxidizers, to create a uniform and reliable mixture for solid rocket motors. The quality of the mixed propellant is crucial as it directly impacts the performance and reliability of the rockets. This mixer represents a significant engineering achievement, being the largest of its kind globally, showcasing India's advancements in space technology. An interesting fact is that the precision in mixing propellants is vital for ensuring that rockets operate safely and effectively during missions.

Trump's direct negotiations with Russia could potentially undermine U.S. commitments to Ukraine and NATO. This is critical because a weakened commitment may lead to a lack of support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, thus affecting the stability of European security. The implications of such negotiations can also create a perception of division within NATO, which could embolden adversarial nations like Russia and China, who might see an opportunity to exploit the situation to their advantage. This reflects the broader geopolitical shifts that can occur when traditional alliances are tested.

Approximately 58,000 individuals are reported to be displaced in Manipur. This figure highlights the significant scale of the humanitarian crisis in the region. Many of these displaced persons remain unregistered, which complicates the situation further. Understanding the magnitude of displacement is crucial for planning effective humanitarian interventions. Notably, displacement often leads to additional challenges, such as access to healthcare, which is critical in crisis situations.

The urgent need for immediate humanitarian intervention is emphasized due to the deteriorating conditions faced by displaced populations in Manipur. Without swift action, the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, and shelter, cannot be adequately provided, leading to further suffering. Humanitarian interventions typically involve coordinated efforts from various organizations to deliver essential services and support to affected communities. Interestingly, effective humanitarian response can also lay the groundwork for long-term recovery and stability.

Data deficiency regarding displaced individuals is a major factor that contributes to the underestimation of the humanitarian crisis in Manipur. Many individuals who are displaced may be living temporarily with relatives or in makeshift shelters, which are not accounted for in official statistics. This lack of comprehensive data can hinder effective planning and resource allocation for humanitarian aid. An interesting aspect of data collection in crisis situations is the importance of accurate information for ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

A significant percentage of the displaced population in Manipur is suffering from PTSD, along with increasing rates of anxiety and suicide. These mental health issues arise from the stresses associated with displacement and the traumatic experiences individuals may have faced. Addressing mental health in humanitarian crises is critical, as untreated mental health conditions can lead to long-term consequences for individuals and communities. It is vital to integrate mental health support within humanitarian responses to foster recovery and resilience among affected populations.

The analysis indicates that water gaps are expected to increase by 15% with a rise of 3 degrees Celsius. Water gaps refer to the difference between the availability of renewable water and its consumption, while maintaining sufficient flows for aquatic ecosystems. As global temperatures rise, the demand for water will intensify, particularly affecting areas already facing water scarcity. This statistic highlights the urgent need for effective water management strategies to address the looming crisis. An interesting fact is that sustainable water management practices can significantly reduce the negative impacts of climate change on water resources, making it essential for future resilience.