Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 5th May 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is strategically located just 10 nautical miles from major global shipping routes, which significantly enhances India's capability and competitiveness in international trade. This positioning allows it to serve as a vital transshipment hub, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and potentially transforming regional maritime logistics.

The rise in GST collections in India can be attributed to improved tax filing discipline and expedited refund processing, which have encouraged compliance among businesses. This was particularly evident with a significant 86% increase in refunds to exporters, indicating a more efficient and trusted system. Enhanced digital tracking and awareness have also played crucial roles in this progress, leading to higher tax revenues.

'Kamala' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1' are groundbreaking as they are the first genome-edited rice varieties that enhance yield and provide improved tolerance to drought and salinity. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, these innovations mark a significant step forward in agricultural science, addressing challenges posed by climate change while maintaining high safety standards by avoiding foreign DNA insertion.

The early maturity of the 'Kamala' rice variety allows for a reduction in irrigation needs, potentially saving around 7,500 million cubic meters of water. This represents a significant contribution to water conservation efforts, particularly in regions facing water scarcity, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

India's current Arctic Policy emphasizes environmental and scientific issues, drawing from the country's experience with the Himalayan region. This focus aims to address climate change and promote scientific cooperation, but it may not fully capture the strategic shifts occurring due to increasing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. As global interest in the region grows, India may need to expand its policy to include more strategic elements to maintain its influence.

The Biological Diversity Regulation, 2025 establishes a tiered benefit-sharing structure based on the user's annual turnover. This means that different rates apply depending on the financial scale of the user, promoting fairness in the sharing of benefits derived from biological resources. For instance, users with a turnover of up to ₹5 crore are exempt from sharing, while those above this threshold must comply with varying rates. This approach aims to ensure equitable sharing in line with sustainable development principles.

The primary concern surrounding the growing use of maize for ethanol production is its impact on food security and rising prices. As maize is diverted for fuel, its availability for food and feed industries diminishes, leading to increased prices. This situation raises alarms about the sustainability of food supplies, emphasizing the need for a balance between biofuel production and agricultural needs. Interestingly, the price of maize has risen significantly in recent years, reflecting this shift in demand.

The Repairability Index (RI) aims to standardize how easily electronic products can be repaired, thereby promoting sustainable consumption. It uses a scoring system based on various parameters, which helps consumers make informed choices about the longevity and repair options of their devices. This initiative encourages manufacturers to design products that are easier to repair, ultimately contributing to waste reduction and environmental sustainability. An interesting fact is that the RI is initially applicable to smartphones and tablets, indicating a targeted approach to improving repairability in high-use consumer electronics.

Despite the opportunities presented by the "China Plus One" strategy, India faces significant challenges such as limited integration into global value chains and various logistical inefficiencies. These hurdles, along with regulatory bottlenecks, can impede India's ability to attract foreign investment and fully capitalize on the shift in manufacturing preferences from China. Addressing these challenges is essential for India to enhance its attractiveness as a manufacturing hub.

Indian Americans boast the highest median annual income among all Asian American groups, earning approximately 40% more than their Chinese and Japanese counterparts. This high income level is largely attributed to their educational achievements, with a significant majority holding at least a bachelor's degree. The economic success of the Indian diaspora is remarkable, but they also face challenges such as racial intolerance and political polarization that can impact their social integration and opportunities.