Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 24th December 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The GenCast AI model offers a significant advantage over traditional weather forecasting methods by delivering faster and more accurate long-term weather predictions. Unlike conventional numerical weather prediction models that can take hours to generate forecasts, GenCast can produce forecasts in just 8 minutes using advanced machine learning techniques. This speed and accuracy are especially crucial for preparing for extreme weather events, thereby enhancing public safety and disaster preparedness.

The United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) plays a critical role in enhancing the independence and professionalism of the UN's internal justice system. One of its key functions is to recommend suitable candidates for vacancies on the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT). This process ensures that judicial appointments are made with consideration for geographical distribution and the expertise required, thereby promoting fairness and accountability in the UN's internal justice mechanisms.

National Farmers Day, celebrated annually on December 23, primarily honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, who was an advocate for farmers' rights and welfare. This day acknowledges the vital contributions of farmers to India's economy and raises awareness about their challenges, fostering a supportive environment for agricultural growth. An interesting fact is that Chaudhary Charan Singh is often referred to as the "Champion of India’s Farmers" due to his significant impact on agricultural policies during his tenure.

India has a particularly high reliance on China for bismuth, with approximately 85.6% of its needs met through imports from China. This dependency on critical minerals raises significant concerns regarding supply chain vulnerabilities, especially as these minerals are essential for various technologies that support economic development and national security. An additional point of interest is that China dominates the global processing of many critical minerals, controlling a substantial share of the market, which highlights the strategic challenges India faces in securing these resources.

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a significant initiative aimed at providing industry-relevant skill training to youth in India. It offers various skill courses and aims to certify millions of individuals, thus enhancing employability and addressing the skill gaps in the workforce. Unlike other initiatives like Digital India, which focuses on digital infrastructure, PMKVY is specifically tailored for skill development and vocational training. An interesting fact is that PMKVY has certified over 1.42 crore individuals since its inception, highlighting its impact on the Indian labor market.

The abolition of the no-detention policy was primarily aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and accountability among students. Critics argued that the previous policy led to a decline in academic standards, as students were not held accountable for their performance. By allowing for remedial instruction and re-examinations for students who fail, the government seeks to improve educational standards while still providing support for struggling learners. This change reflects a broader commitment to balancing inclusivity with the necessity for academic achievement. Interestingly, this policy shift has been adopted in 18 states and union territories, demonstrating a significant movement towards more rigorous educational standards across the country.

Bio-bitumen serves as an alternative to traditional bitumen derived from crude oil, offering significant environmental benefits. It is produced from renewable resources, helping to reduce dependence on petroleum. Additionally, the use of bio-bitumen can lower carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen, making it a more sustainable option for road construction. This shift not only contributes to environmental conservation but also promotes the use of locally sourced materials, enhancing economic benefits for local communities.

The CII's push for reforms in the PSL framework is aimed at broadening its scope to include emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, green initiatives, and healthcare. This reflects the need for financial policies to adapt to the evolving economic landscape and ensure that critical sectors receive adequate support. By including high-impact areas in PSL, the CII believes it can drive economic growth and innovation, thereby enhancing overall national development. This proactive approach is essential in a rapidly changing economic environment where traditional sectors may no longer be sufficient to meet future challenges.

The Reserve Bank of India has revised its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-25 downward from 7.2% to 6.6%. This adjustment reflects concerns over a potential cyclical downturn in the economy, indicating that economic growth may not be as robust as previously anticipated. Such revisions are crucial as they influence economic policy decisions and investor confidence. An interesting fact is that this forecast is significant as it positions India as one of the fastest-growing major economies despite global economic challenges.

The Kerala High Court established specific guidelines to ensure the safety of both elephants and the public during the Thrissur Pooram festival. One key directive is to maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters between elephants and the public, along with additional distance requirements to minimize risk during fireworks. Such measures are essential for ensuring the well-being of the majestic elephants and the safety of festival-goers. An interesting fact about Thrissur Pooram is that it is often referred to as the "mother of all Poorams," showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage through vibrant traditions and performances.