Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 30th March 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The PAC's call for a review of the GST framework is primarily due to ongoing delays in GST refunds and various compliance challenges that businesses face. These issues have resulted in significant impacts on cash flow, especially for MSMEs and exporters. The need for transparency and timely audits in GST compensation disbursement to states has also been highlighted as critical for improving the overall efficiency of the tax system.

The Chicken's Neck corridor, also known as the Siliguri Corridor, is a vital link connecting India's northeastern states to the mainland. Spanning approximately 22 kilometers at its narrowest point, it is crucial for maintaining connectivity, especially given its proximity to Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Any disruption to this corridor could severely affect the transportation and logistics of the northeastern states.

India launched Operation Brahma to provide humanitarian assistance following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar. This initiative involved rescue operations, medical assistance, and the distribution of relief supplies, showcasing India's commitment to supporting neighboring countries during crises. The operation reflects India's role in regional disaster response and humanitarian aid.

The Kasampatty Sacred Grove has been officially designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site by the Tamil Nadu government. This recognition is due to its ecological and cultural significance, emphasizing the importance of conserving unique ecosystems that support diverse flora and fauna, which in turn benefits local communities.

A significant threat to the survival of Amur tigers is the increasing number of roadkill incidents. As infrastructure expands into their habitats, these incidents pose serious risks to their population, which is already classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are crucial to mitigate this threat and ensure the longevity of this species.

The Future Circular Collider (FCC) aims to significantly advance particle physics research by achieving unprecedented particle collision energies. This ambitious project is designed to enhance our understanding of fundamental aspects of nature, allowing scientists to explore deeper questions about the universe, including the properties of the Higgs boson.

ISRO's development of a semi-cryogenic engine that achieves a high thrust of 2,000 kN represents a significant advancement in India's launch vehicle technology. This engine, which operates using liquid oxygen and kerosene, is set to enhance the payload capacity of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), thus improving India's capabilities in space exploration.

The IUCN's warning about the status of Frankincense-producing trees encompasses multiple concerns, including habitat destruction, climate change impacts, and unsustainable harvesting practices. These factors have collectively contributed to the decline of several species of Frankincense, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures to protect these trees and their ecosystems.

The recent approval from the US Department of Energy allows for the transfer of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to Indian private firms. This development marks a significant milestone in the operationalization of the India-US civil nuclear deal, enhancing India’s capabilities in the nuclear energy sector and fostering greater cooperation between the two nations.

The Indian government's decision to discontinue the medium- and long-term deposits of the Gold Monetisation Scheme was prompted by unfavorable market conditions and the overall performance of the scheme. Despite scrapping these options, existing deposits will remain intact until maturity, reflecting a strategic shift in gold investment policies amidst rising gold prices.