Test: Weekly Current Affairs: May 1st to 7th - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Climate change significantly increases the risk of wildfires globally due to factors like rising temperatures and prolonged dry seasons. This results in conditions that are more conducive to wildfires, leading to more frequent and intense fire events. Interestingly, as fire weather conditions worsen, the overlapping of fire seasons across different regions complicates international firefighting efforts, as resources become stretched and coordination becomes more challenging.

Projections indicate that by the year 2050, the number of overlapping fire weather days could increase by as much as 29 days each year. This scenario underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, as longer fire seasons can lead to more devastating wildfires. In fact, areas that are already prone to wildfires may face even more severe conditions, impacting ecosystems, air quality, and community safety.

Humidity is a crucial factor in determining fire weather conditions. High humidity can help suppress fire spread by keeping vegetation moist, while low humidity can contribute to dry conditions that facilitate wildfires. Understanding the role of humidity in fire weather is vital for predicting and managing wildfire risks.

Research indicates that overlapping fire weather days have increased by one day each year since 1979. This trend highlights the growing challenges in managing fire risks as seasons become more unpredictable, underscoring the need for enhanced firefighting strategies and international cooperation.

The Supreme Court clarified that appellate courts have limited authority to modify arbitral awards, permitting modifications only under specific conditions, such as when the awards are severable. This ruling aims to protect the integrity of arbitration as a preferred method for dispute resolution, emphasizing that modifications should not be arbitrary but based on defined criteria.

Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act outlines the grounds upon which an arbitral award can be annulled. This section serves to ensure that there are clear, legal bases for challenging an award, which is essential for maintaining public confidence in the arbitration process as a fair and effective means of resolving disputes.

The average surface temperature anomaly in India for 2024 was recorded at 0.65°C above the long-term average. This figure is critical for understanding climate change trends as it indicates a significant rise compared to previous years. Such temperature anomalies can have profound effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and weather patterns.

In 2024, the IMD revised the Long Period Average (LPA) to the 1991-2020 average. The LPA is essential for assessing climate trends as it serves as a baseline for calculating temperature anomalies. Changes to the LPA can alter public perception and understanding of climate data, emphasizing the importance of transparency in reporting.

The Sahajog initiative is specifically designed to improve access to government welfare schemes for urban poor families. By targeting this demographic, the program seeks to bridge the gap between urban poverty and the support that is available, ensuring that those in need can benefit from essential government services. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing the challenges faced by urban poor populations.

The Sahajog initiative will operate in a campaign mode covering 44 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from May 1 to June 20, 2025. This extensive outreach is aimed at ensuring that a substantial number of urban poor families are connected with vital welfare schemes, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of government assistance in urban areas.

The prosecution of money laundering cases often hinges on the progress of related predicate offences. Delays in these cases can lead to significant postponements in the trials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This systemic challenge complicates the legal landscape and prolongs the overall judicial process. Interestingly, the complexities of financial investigations, especially those involving cross-border transactions, further exacerbate these delays.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reported a high conviction rate of 93.6%, with only three acquittals out of 47 decided cases. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of the ED in prosecuting money laundering cases, reflecting a robust legal framework aimed at combating financial crimes. A noteworthy aspect is that since 2005, the ED has filed a substantial number of prosecution complaints, indicating a proactive approach to tackling money laundering.

Heatstroke has been identified as the leading cause of mortality related to extreme temperatures in India, with significant numbers of deaths attributed to it compared to cold exposure. This trend highlights the critical impact of rising temperatures on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as outdoor workers.

The year 2015 was noted for having the highest mortality rates linked to extreme weather conditions in India. This can be attributed to a combination of severe heatwaves and other climate-related factors, emphasizing the need for effective climate adaptation strategies to mitigate health risks.

The MIGM is specifically designed to enhance the Indian Navy's operational capabilities in undersea warfare, particularly aimed at countering modern stealth ships and submarines. This advancement is crucial for maintaining maritime security in a region facing increasing tensions and threats from adversarial naval forces. An interesting fact about naval mines is that they have been used in warfare for centuries, often proving to be effective deterrents in naval conflicts.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) played a pivotal role in the development of the MIGM in collaboration with the Indian Navy. This partnership is significant as it combines the expertise of both organizations to create advanced defense technologies. The DRDO is known for its focus on developing indigenous defense systems to enhance national security.

The main goal of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is to irrigate over 1.8 million acres by drawing water from the Godavari River. This initiative is considered one of the largest lift irrigation schemes globally, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring water supply across northern Telangana. Effective irrigation is crucial for agriculture, especially in semi-arid regions where water scarcity can significantly impact crop yields.

The NDSA report identified severe structural issues with the Medigadda barrage, including sinking and cracking of piers, sand piping, and cavity formation. These problems pose significant risks to the infrastructure's integrity and necessitate immediate rehabilitation efforts. Such structural concerns highlight the importance of thorough engineering assessments and maintenance protocols in large-scale infrastructure projects to prevent potential failures that can have far-reaching consequences.

The primary purpose of the nationwide civil defence mock drill is to assess and enhance the preparedness of civil defence systems across 244 designated districts. This exercise marks a significant step in ensuring that the government and civil services are ready to protect citizens during emergencies. Effective civil defence is crucial in safeguarding non-combatants during crises, emphasizing the importance of proactive readiness.

The formalization of India’s civil defence framework was prompted by the conflict with China in 1962. This led to the recognition of the need for structured civil defence mechanisms, which were further developed after the subsequent conflicts with Pakistan. The Civil Defence Act of 1968 was a pivotal moment in this evolution, integrating disaster management into civil defence practices.

The Odisha Millet Mission was launched to revitalize traditional millet farming, focusing specifically on improving the economic conditions of tribal communities through the cultivation of millets. This initiative aims to incorporate millets back into local diets, thereby enhancing nutrition and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. An interesting fact is that millets are known for their climate resilience, making them a suitable crop for regions with erratic weather patterns.

The introduction of high-yielding varieties has sparked concern over increased dependence on external seed suppliers, which threatens the preservation of indigenous seed varieties and local biodiversity. Critics argue that while these new varieties may boost productivity, they may also undermine traditional farming knowledge and practices. This highlights the ongoing debate about balancing agricultural innovation with sustainability.

The Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) is a crucial global tool used to assess the risk of wildfires. It evaluates various meteorological factors to predict fire behavior and risk levels. The FWI plays an important role in wildfire management and prevention strategies, helping to inform firefighting resources and preparedness efforts. An interesting fact is that the FWI is not only used in Canada but has been adopted by many other countries to enhance their wildfire risk assessment capabilities.

El Niño is associated with warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures, which can lead to drought conditions and increased fire risks in Australia. Conversely, La Niña is linked to cooler temperatures in the Pacific and is known to contribute to fire risks in North America. This dynamic relationship emphasizes the complex interplay between climate patterns and wildfire occurrence.

Justice K.V. Viswanathan argued that Section 34 should not permit modifications, as allowing them could undermine the arbitration process, particularly in international contexts. This dissent highlights concerns about the potential erosion of arbitration's role as a reliable and efficient dispute resolution mechanism, suggesting that clarity and consistency are crucial for the credibility of arbitration in global commerce.