Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 30th November 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, was enacted to ensure that the religious character of all places of worship, except for the one in Ayodhya, remains unchanged from how they existed on August 15, 1947. This means that the Act prohibits any conversion of places of worship, aiming to uphold the secular fabric of the nation by preventing disputes over historical grievances. This legislative measure is critical in maintaining communal harmony and protecting the integrity of religious sites across India.

Recent studies estimate that landscape fires cause over 1.53 million deaths annually worldwide due to air pollution. This significant figure highlights the global health crisis posed by wildfire pollution, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries where such fires are more prevalent. The impact of this pollution is profound, contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which are major causes of mortality in these regions. Interestingly, the seasonal patterns of agricultural burning, especially during winter months, exacerbate these health risks by significantly deteriorating air quality.

The primary objective of the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme is to promote balanced fertilization by encouraging the use of Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers in addition to Nitrogen. This approach helps improve soil health and ensures that plants receive a more comprehensive range of nutrients necessary for optimal growth. It aims to reduce the over-reliance on nitrogen and supports farmers by making essential fertilizers more accessible and affordable. An interesting fact about balanced fertilization is that it not only improves crop yields but also enhances soil fertility over time, leading to sustainable agricultural practices.

The AEO Programme is designed to enhance the security of international supply chains while facilitating the movement of legitimate goods. By granting AEO status to compliant businesses, it fosters a partnership between customs authorities and the trade sector, allowing for streamlined processes and improved security measures. This initiative is critical in promoting safe global trade practices, which ultimately benefit economies worldwide. Interestingly, the AEO status is part of the broader SAFE Framework of Standards adopted by the World Customs Organization in 2005, which underscores its global significance.

Cultural perceptions of masculinity play a crucial role in deterring men from considering vasectomies in India. Many men fear that undergoing the procedure may diminish their masculinity or sexual performance, despite medical evidence indicating otherwise. This societal stigma not only affects men’s choices but also reinforces traditional gender roles, where family planning is predominantly viewed as a woman's responsibility.

The primary crystalline forms of silica include Quartz, Tridymite, and Cristobalite. Quartz is the most common and widely recognized form of silica, known for its hardness and durability. Tridymite and Cristobalite are less common but occur under specific conditions, such as high temperatures. Understanding these forms is essential in fields like geology and materials science, where silica's properties and applications are vital.

Petitioners argue that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, unjustly restricts Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming places of worship that they believe were taken from them during historical invasions. They view the Act as a barrier to addressing these past injustices, claiming it inhibits their rights to seek redress for historical grievances. This ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between historical claims and the modern principles of secularism and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.

Agricultural burning refers to the practice of intentionally setting fires to crop stubble to prepare fields for new planting. In northern India, this practice has a major consequence: it significantly contributes to severe air pollution, especially during the winter months when cooler temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground. This has resulted in alarming health impacts, including a high number of deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The practice is widespread among farmers and presents a critical challenge for environmental health and policy in the region. Notably, the particulate matter released during these burns can travel vast distances, affecting air quality in areas far removed from the burn sites.

The statement that the Koraga community has a total of 17 exogamous clans known as 'bali' is true. The Koraga tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is primarily found in southern India, specifically in Kerala and Karnataka. They follow a matrilineal system, tracing lineage through females, although couples typically live in the husband's family home after marriage, which is a patrilocal residence. Their primary language is Tulu, not Hindi. Understanding the clan system is crucial as it plays a significant role in their social organization and cultural identity.

The Niger River is known for its distinctive winding shape, which has led to it being referred to as the "Boomerang River." This characteristic is significant as it affects the river's course and the geography of the regions it traverses. At 2,600 miles (4,200 km) long, it is indeed one of the longest rivers in Africa, but it is not the longest; that title belongs to the Nile River. Additionally, the Niger River has several tributaries, with the Benue River being the most significant. The river plays a crucial role in the ecology and economy of West Africa, affecting the lives of millions who depend on its waters.