Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 21st May 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The Shirui Lily Festival is primarily focused on promoting the conservation of the Shirui Lily, which is an endemic and endangered flower unique to the Shirui Hills in Manipur. The festival not only celebrates this rare flower but also raises awareness about its ecological importance and the threats it faces from tourism and invasive species. The Shirui Lily was designated the State Flower of Manipur in 1989, highlighting its significance to the region's biodiversity.

Recently, India has imposed restrictions on Bangladeshi readymade garments and other goods, marking a significant shift from historically cooperative trade relations. This change is largely due to concerns over Bangladesh's political alignment and increasing ties with China and Pakistan, particularly under the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus. These restrictions reflect India’s dissatisfaction with the current political dynamics and their potential impact on regional security.

The doctrine of presumption of constitutionality asserts that laws enacted by Parliament or State Legislatures are assumed to be constitutional unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. This principle respects the democratic processes and the authority of the legislature, promoting stability in the legal framework. It minimizes judicial interference in legislative matters, reinforcing the idea that laws remain valid until a significant constitutional violation is demonstrated.

'Operation Olivia' successfully protected over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting period at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha. This annual initiative focuses on ensuring safe nesting areas through continuous patrolling and aerial surveillance, demonstrating a commitment to marine biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the operation engages local communities in conservation efforts, enhancing the overall impact on the ecological health of the region.

Uttar Pradesh is the largest potato producer in India, accounting for around 30% of the total production. This state benefits from favorable climatic conditions and extensive agricultural practices that support potato cultivation. Interestingly, Uttar Pradesh's significant contribution to potato farming plays a crucial role in both the state's economy and the food supply chain in the country.

The main objective of Operation Greens is to stabilize the supply and prices of tomato, onion, and potato crops. This initiative aims to protect both farmers and consumers by reducing post-harvest losses and improving the infrastructure for storage and logistics. An interesting fact is that the program is modeled after Operation Flood, which successfully transformed the dairy sector in India.

Scheme-Based Workers (SBWs) face the significant challenge of not being recognized as formal government employees. This lack of recognition results in various disadvantages, including the absence of minimum wage guarantees and social security benefits. Many SBWs are classified as "volunteers" or "honorary workers," which undermines their labor rights and identity. This issue highlights the need for policy reform to ensure fair labor practices and protections for these workers.

Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in their communities by ensuring nutritional support and preschool education for children and lactating mothers. They are integral to the implementation of government social welfare schemes aimed at improving public health and education. Their work directly impacts the development and well-being of families, thereby contributing to the overall health of the community.

The Irula community is renowned for their traditional knowledge of snake handling and venom extraction. This skill is part of their cultural heritage and has made them significant contributors to the production of anti-snake venom in India. The Irula are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and face challenges regarding land rights and legal recognition, which emphasizes the need for support to preserve their unique cultural practices and livelihoods.

The Supreme Court invalidated the notifications issued by the Environment Ministry that permitted industries to operate despite breaching environmental regulations. This ruling highlighted the importance of adhering to environmental laws and the principle that industries must obtain necessary clearances before operating. The court's decision underscores the need for robust environmental protection mechanisms and compliance, ensuring that economic activities do not compromise environmental integrity. This case serves as a reminder of the balance required between industrial growth and ecological sustainability.