Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 3rd March 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Union Budget for 2025 has allocated 8.86% to the Gender Budget, which reflects a significant commitment to addressing gender-related economic issues. This allocation is notable as it not only marks a 37.3% increase from the previous year but also signifies a growing recognition of the importance of gender-responsive fiscal policies in India. An interesting fact is that despite this increase, there are still substantial gaps in investment for care infrastructure, which continues to impact women's participation in the workforce.

The PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana accounts for 24% of the Gender Budget for 2025. This significant portion highlights the government's focus on providing food security and support to the economically vulnerable during challenging times. However, it also indicates that while there are specific initiatives aimed at supporting gender issues, broader investments in care work and infrastructure remain critical for addressing the challenges faced by women in balancing caregiving and professional responsibilities.

Indian women spend 40% more time on unpaid care work compared to women in South Africa and China. This statistic underscores the disproportionate burden of domestic responsibilities that women face in India, which influences their participation in the formal labor market. As a result, many women are unable to engage fully in economic activities, which impacts overall economic growth and gender equality. An interesting point to note is that addressing these disparities through policy and societal change could significantly enhance women's contributions to the economy.

A staggering 53% of Indian women are outside the formal labor force due to caregiving responsibilities. This statistic highlights the significant impact of unpaid care work on women's employment opportunities and economic independence. In contrast, only 1.1% of men are in the same situation, illustrating the gender disparity in labor force participation. Reducing the barriers to women’s entry into the workforce, including enhancing support for caregiving, could lead to a more equitable economic landscape and empower women to contribute fully to society.

Indian women spend approximately 17.8% of their time engaged in unpaid care work, which is a significant burden compared to their male counterparts. This disparity highlights the broader issue of gender inequality in labor, particularly in regions like the Global South, where the imbalance is even more pronounced. Recognizing and addressing this inequality is vital for promoting gender equity and empowering women economically. Interestingly, the concept of "time poverty" emerges from this context, where women are forced to work excessively long hours, limiting their opportunities for education and paid employment.

Women in low-income households often work between 17 to 19 hours a day, which results in significant time poverty. This situation not only contributes to physical and mental health challenges but also restricts their ability to engage in paid employment or education. The concept of time poverty is critical in understanding the broader economic and social implications of unpaid labor. Additionally, this extreme workload can perpetuate cycles of poverty, as it limits women's opportunities for advancement and personal development.

The Economic Survey 2023-24 recommends a direct public investment of 2% of GDP in care infrastructure. This investment is seen as essential for creating job opportunities and alleviating the burdens associated with unpaid care work. By prioritizing such infrastructure, the government can foster an environment that supports women's empowerment and promotes gender equality. An interesting fact is that investing in care infrastructure not only aids women but can also contribute significantly to overall economic growth, as it allows for greater participation of women in the workforce.

A Special Leave Petition (SLP) serves as an extraordinary appeal mechanism that enables the Supreme Court to intervene in decisions made by lower courts or tribunals. Unlike regular appeals, SLPs are discretionary; not every petition filed is guaranteed a hearing. This allows the Supreme Court to address significant legal questions or instances of injustice that may not have a direct route for appeal, emphasizing the selective nature of judicial intervention under this provision. An interesting fact about SLPs is that their origins can be traced back to the Government of India Act, 1935, which granted similar powers to the Privy Council, highlighting the historical continuity of judicial review in India.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1 marked a significant achievement as it was the first mission to accomplish an upright lunar landing. This mission is notable not only for being the second successful private lunar landing but also for its unique landing position, which sets it apart from previous missions. The importance of this achievement lies in enhancing the capabilities of private space exploration and supporting broader initiatives like NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. Additionally, this mission involves advanced instruments designed to study lunar conditions, underscoring the ongoing evolution of space technology and exploration efforts.

Pollution in Indian cities has severe health implications, notably leading to respiratory diseases among residents. The high levels of air and water pollution contribute to various health issues, with economic losses from these health impacts estimated at around $95 billion annually. Addressing pollution is critical for improving public health and enhancing the overall quality of life in urban areas. Interestingly, some cities globally have successfully reduced pollution levels through innovative urban planning and strict environmental regulations, providing valuable lessons for Indian cities.