Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 28th January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

WASP-127b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which is characteristic of gas giants. Unlike terrestrial planets that have solid surfaces, gas giants like WASP-127b consist mostly of gaseous materials and lack a solid surface beneath their thick atmospheres. This composition allows them to have very different atmospheric conditions, such as extreme temperatures and high wind speeds, which are notable features of this exoplanet. Interestingly, the presence of complex molecules like carbon monoxide and water in trace amounts indicates that there may be more complex chemistry occurring in its atmosphere than in simpler gas giants.

Indore and Udaipur have been recognized as Wetland Accredited Cities (WCA), marking a significant achievement in India's commitment to wetland conservation. This designation reflects their efforts in sustainable management of urban wetlands, which are crucial for biodiversity, flood control, and water quality maintenance. Wetland Accredited Cities are recognized for their initiatives to prioritize and manage both natural and human-made wetlands effectively. Interestingly, the WCA program was established during the Ramsar Convention COP12 in 2015, highlighting the global importance of wetlands in urban planning and environmental sustainability.

The FY26 Budget presentation is expected to prioritize climate issues, which is crucial for aiding India's pursuit of its Net-Zero goal by 2030. This emphasis on climate action highlights the growing recognition of environmental sustainability in economic planning. Interestingly, prioritizing climate finance can not only help meet international commitments but also stimulate economic growth by attracting investments in green technologies and sustainable practices.

The proposed climate finance taxonomy is important for India as it aims to standardize definitions of green finance. This standardization is essential for ensuring that investments are directed towards genuine sustainable projects, making it easier for investors to identify and support environmentally friendly initiatives. By creating clear guidelines, it can enhance trust and facilitate the mobilization of the significant funding required for climate-related projects.

India is estimated to require approximately ₹162.5 trillion (about $2.5 trillion) to meet its climate commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030. This substantial investment underscores the scale of financial mobilization needed to transition toward sustainable development and to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The scale of investment indicates the challenge ahead for policymakers and stakeholders in fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth.

Public-private partnerships can enhance renewable energy projects in India by utilizing available land efficiently. These collaborations can leverage the expertise and resources of both sectors to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, thereby maximizing efficiency and reducing costs. Such partnerships not only facilitate the deployment of renewable energy technologies but also foster innovation and create jobs in the green economy.

The purpose of establishing a Climate Action Fund in India is to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in meeting compliance with carbon border adjustment measures (CBAM). This fund can provide financial assistance and resources to help MSMEs transition to greener practices, ensuring they can compete in a global market increasingly focused on sustainability. Supporting MSMEs is vital as they play a significant role in the economy and are often at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to reduce emissions.

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by climate change in India. It encompasses various missions focused on promoting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and ensuring sustainable development. An interesting fact is that the NAPCC is structured into eight national missions, including solar energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture, which collectively aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote a more sustainable future for the country.

The enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System introduces Aadhaar-based e-signing, which offers exporters increased flexibility by allowing them to electronically sign documents. This feature streamlines the certification process and enhances efficiency in trade documentation. The integration of digital identity verification through Aadhaar helps to ensure security and authenticity in the signing process, making it easier for multiple users under one Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to collaborate effectively. An interesting fact is that digital signatures are becoming increasingly important in international trade, as they help to speed up processes and reduce the reliance on physical documentation, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

The role of Governors as Chancellors of State universities can lead to political interference rather than protecting academic independence. This dual role often creates a situation where the Governor's involvement aligns with political objectives, which can undermine the autonomy of universities. The concern is that instead of safeguarding educational institutions from political influence, this arrangement may actually increase it, particularly in contexts where the Governor's decisions are heavily influenced by the central government's agenda. An interesting fact is that many states are exploring alternative governance structures to mitigate this issue, such as having the Chief Minister take on a ceremonial Chancellor role, thereby reducing potential conflicts of interest.