Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 31st December 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave led to the mass mortality of over four million common murres, marking one of the largest die-offs of vertebrates linked to warming oceans. This event underscores the vulnerability of marine species to sudden changes in their environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching consequences of climate change.

The HCES 2023-24 revealed that the share of food expenditure in rural households increased to 47.04%, reversing a long-term decline. This trend indicates changing dietary preferences and highlights the importance of food security and nutrition in rural economic conditions. Factors such as rising incomes and changing lifestyles may contribute to these shifts in spending patterns.

The report emphasizes that Rohingya refugees in India experience significant violations of their basic rights, particularly through arbitrary detention and substandard living conditions. This situation highlights the urgent need for legal reforms and better adherence to international human rights standards to protect this vulnerable group. An interesting fact is that despite the challenges, some Indian courts have interpreted the Constitution in ways that could offer protections to refugees, showcasing a potential path for legal advocacy.

The principle of non-refoulement is a cornerstone of international refugee law, prohibiting the return of individuals to places where they may be persecuted. This principle is essential for ensuring the safety and rights of refugees, as it protects them from being sent back to potentially dangerous situations. A noteworthy aspect is that even though India is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention, it is still bound by various international human rights treaties that imply obligations regarding the treatment of refugees.

The primary concern regarding the dominance of PhonePe and Google Pay in the UPI market is the systemic vulnerabilities and risks to competition. When a few companies control a large share of the market, it creates a situation where any disruption in their services can impact the entire digital payment ecosystem. This concentration of power can stifle competition, limit innovation, and increase the risk of market failure.

Smaller players in the UPI market are encouraged to form alliances with banks and fintech firms as a strategy to enhance their competitiveness. By collaborating, they can leverage the resources and networks of established financial institutions, allowing them to improve their service offerings and reach a broader audience. This approach can also help them differentiate their services from those of larger competitors.

The primary aim of Exercise Surya Kiran is to enhance interoperability in areas such as jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations. This bilateral military exercise allows both the Indian Army and Nepal Army to improve their operational capabilities and coordination in challenging terrains, fostering greater readiness to tackle security threats effectively.

A total of 334 personnel from the Indian Army are participating in the 18th edition of Exercise Surya Kiran. This contingent is led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles, showcasing the commitment of the Indian Army to enhance military cooperation with Nepal and respond to shared security challenges.

Marine heatwaves serve as critical stressors on marine ecosystems, often resulting in mass mortality of species such as kelps and corals. This disruption leads to habitat degradation and affects the entire food web, showcasing the fragility of marine ecosystems in the face of climate change. As temperatures rise, many species struggle to adapt, posing serious challenges for biodiversity conservation.

The SpaDeX mission marks India's entry into the elite group of nations capable of in-space docking, which is crucial for future space missions, such as assembling spacecraft in orbit and conducting lunar exploration. This accomplishment not only showcases India's advancing space technology but also lays the groundwork for future endeavors, including the planned establishment of a space station. An interesting fact is that with this capability, India is now among only four countries—along with the United States, Russia, and China—that can perform such advanced space operations.