Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 23rd April 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

In February 2001, the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas, which were monumental statues representing a blend of artistic influences. This act is regarded as a significant episode of cultural vandalism, underscoring the tensions between extremist interpretations of religious doctrine and the preservation of cultural heritage. The statues had stood for centuries before their destruction, symbolizing Afghanistan's rich historical tapestry.

Earth Day serves as a vital reminder of humanity's responsibility to protect and preserve the Earth's resources for future generations. The day emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and policies to address the ecological crisis, such as clean air and safe water, reinforcing the idea that environmental stewardship is essential for survival.

A cloudburst is defined as a localized and extremely intense rainfall event, characterized by over 10 cm of rain falling within an hour over a small area. These events often lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions, making them both unpredictable and dangerous.

Arctic amplification refers to the phenomenon where temperature increases in the Arctic region are greater than the global average. This accelerated warming is primarily driven by changes in net radiation balance due to increased greenhouse gases and results in significant ecological and climatic impacts, including melting ice and altered ecosystems.

The Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is notable for being the world's first market-based initiative specifically targeting particulate air pollution. It operates under a cap-and-trade system, allowing industries to trade emission permits, thereby incentivizing pollution reduction in high-emission sectors like textiles.

The Bullseye Galaxy, also known as LEDA 1313424, has garnered attention due to its unique structure comprising nine rings, which is significantly more than the typical two or three found in most ringed galaxies. This discovery provides valuable insights into galaxy evolution and interactions in the universe.

A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, resulted in the tragic loss of 28 lives, primarily among tourists. This incident marked the deadliest attack since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region, affecting tourism and local stability.

The Poás Volcano has been active recently, producing ash and increasing gas emissions, which have led to environmental issues such as acid rain. This phenomenon adversely impacts local flora and highlights the ongoing challenges posed by volcanic activity to both ecosystems and human activities in the region.

India aims to boost its manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 12% to 23% over the next two decades. This ambitious goal is supported by the growth of sunrise industries, which are characterized by rapid innovation and development, positioning India for significant economic growth.

NASA scientists are exploring the use of Quantum Gravity Gradiometers (QGGs) to monitor changes in Earth's mass distribution, particularly in relation to climate change. This advanced technology employs cold atoms to measure gravitational forces with extreme precision, offering insights into geological and hydrological changes impacting the planet.