Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 4th February 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Gyan Bharatam Mission's primary objective is to conserve and document India's extensive manuscript heritage, aiming to preserve over one crore manuscripts. This initiative emphasizes the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge and making it accessible through documentation and digitization efforts. An interesting fact is that manuscripts can be found in various languages and scripts, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of India, which includes unique variations of languages represented in different scripts, such as Sanskrit written in Oriya, Grantha, and Devanagari.

The GARBH-INi program primarily aims to promote maternal and child health, focusing specifically on developing predictive tools for preterm birth. This initiative is significant in addressing health challenges related to pregnancy and childbirth, thereby improving outcomes for mothers and their newborns. An interesting fact about maternal health is that globally, about 295,000 women die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the critical need for such programs to enhance healthcare practices and policies.

The establishment of the "Makhana Board" in Bihar is aimed at enhancing the cultivation and marketing of Makhana, also known as fox nuts. This initiative recognizes the significance of Makhana production in Bihar, which accounts for about 90% of India's total Makhana output. By focusing on improving cultivation practices and marketing strategies, the board seeks to support local farmers and boost the overall Makhana industry in the region. Interestingly, Makhana is not only a popular snack but also a nutritious food source rich in carbohydrates and protein, highlighting its importance in both culinary and health contexts.

The optimal climatic condition for Makhana cultivation is a temperature range of 20-35°C. This specific range ensures that the plants thrive in warm conditions, which are essential for their growth. Additionally, Makhana requires a relative humidity of 50-90% and annual rainfall of 100-250 cm to flourish. These conditions help create a suitable aquatic environment, as Makhana is typically grown in shallow water bodies. An interesting fact about Makhana is that it is often referred to as "fox nut" and is known for its nutritional benefits, including high protein content and low fat, making it a popular health snack.

Araku Valley is primarily known for its organic coffee cultivation, which has even received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition highlights the uniqueness and quality of the coffee produced in this region, making it a significant contributor to the local economy. Additionally, organic farming practices in Araku not only support sustainable agriculture but also promote biodiversity in the area.

The estimated chance of asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth in 2032 is just over 1%. This estimation is crucial for understanding the potential risks associated with near-Earth objects. For context, a collision could lead to localized devastation due to the asteroid's size, which is comparable to a football field, prompting ongoing monitoring and research into planetary defense strategies. Interestingly, many small asteroids enter Earth's atmosphere daily, yet most burn up before reaching the surface, highlighting the rarity of larger asteroids capable of causing significant damage.

The Sagarmala Programme aims to enhance India's maritime infrastructure by focusing on port modernization, port connectivity, and port-led industrialization. It outlines a significant investment plan with 839 projects that are critical for boosting the efficiency and capacity of India's shipping industry. Improved maritime infrastructure is essential for increasing competitiveness, supporting economic growth, and facilitating international trade. An interesting fact is that the programme's investment is projected at ₹5.8 lakh crore, showcasing the government's commitment to revitalizing the maritime sector.

Green cardamom is often referred to as the "Queen of Spices" due to its significant economic importance and popularity in culinary applications. It is predominantly cultivated in the Southern Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where the climate and soil conditions are favorable for its growth. This spice is not only prized for its flavor but also for its aromatic properties, making it a staple in both sweet and savory dishes. Interestingly, the recent identification of six new species related to Elettaria cardamomum expands the understanding of this genus, highlighting the diversity and ecological significance of cardamom plants.

Black kites are known for their versatility in feeding habits, which include consuming carrion and a wide range of live prey such as birds, mammals, fish, and even invertebrates. This opportunistic hunting behavior allows them to thrive in various environments by adapting their diet based on available resources. An interesting fact about black kites is that they often scavenge in urban areas, which showcases their remarkable adaptability to human-altered landscapes.

The five-year initiative aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability of cotton farming in India, particularly by promoting extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties. This is crucial as India's current cotton yields are significantly lower than those of leading cotton-producing countries. By focusing on improving seed quality, providing timely agronomic advice, and encouraging technology adoption, the initiative seeks to uplift the overall cotton yield and help farmers benefit economically. Interestingly, the average yield of ELS cotton is lower than that of medium staple cotton, which presents challenges that this initiative aims to address.