Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 25th December 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

Greenland's strategic significance primarily stems from its abundance of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for modern technologies such as smartphones and electric vehicles, as well as for military applications. This mineral wealth, combined with its geographic location between North America and Europe, has heightened international interest, particularly from major powers like the United States. An interesting fact is that rare earth elements are essential for many green technologies, making Greenland's resources increasingly vital as the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions.

Space exploration is not a focus of the BIMSTEC organization. BIMSTEC primarily aims to promote multifaceted technical and economic cooperation among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal, emphasizing sectors such as trade, climate change, security cooperation, and people-to-people contacts. This regional collaboration is essential for enhancing connectivity and addressing common challenges among member states. Interestingly, BIMSTEC’s formation reflects the growing importance of regional organizations in addressing transnational issues, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific.

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the protection of individual dignity. This interpretation has evolved through various landmark judgments, emphasizing that individual dignity is fundamental to the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. An interesting fact is that the expansion of Article 21's scope can be traced back to the landmark case of Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), which set a precedent for the protection of personal liberty beyond mere physical existence.

The politicization of the bureaucracy, especially within the IAS, is a significant challenge. This occurs when appointments, transfers, and promotions are influenced more by political loyalty than by merit and performance. Such practices can undermine the professionalism and effectiveness of civil servants, leading to a loss of morale and domain expertise. Interestingly, reforms such as the introduction of a Civil Services Board aim to curb this issue by providing a structured approach to transfers and postings, promoting greater accountability.

A shield volcano is primarily characterized by its broad, gentle slopes which are formed from highly fluid basalt lava. This type of volcano, including Kilauea, tends to have less explosive eruptions, allowing the lava to flow over great distances. In contrast, composite volcanoes have steeper profiles and more explosive eruptions, making shield volcanoes distinct in their formation and eruption style. An interesting fact is that the Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island where Kilauea is located, are predominantly formed from shield volcanoes, which have shaped the landscape over millions of years.

Recent reports indicate a significant decrease in the number of domestic migrants in India, dropping from approximately 45.57 crore in 2011 to around 40.20 crore in 2023. This decline represents a shift in migration trends, with local opportunities improving, leading to less necessity for long-distance migration. Additionally, the trend has shown an increase in short-distance migration as people seek employment and resources closer to home. This reflects broader socio-economic changes within the country, highlighting the importance of local job creation and development.

The primary ecological concern arising from current agricultural practices in India is soil degradation. Overreliance on chemical fertilizers has led to a significant decline in soil organic carbon levels, which is crucial for maintaining soil health and productivity. This degradation not only affects crop yields but also undermines the soil’s ability to sequester carbon, contributing to broader environmental issues such as climate change. Maintaining soil health is vital for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Quantum computers possess unique capabilities due to their use of quantum mechanics principles, specifically superposition and entanglement. Unlike classical computers that operate using binary bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows them to perform multiple calculations at once, vastly increasing their computational power for certain tasks, making them particularly effective for complex problem-solving scenarios, such as cryptography and large-scale simulations.

The expressed interest of US President-elect Donald Trump in acquiring Greenland has significantly increased the geopolitical focus on the island. This interest has sparked discussions about its strategic location and resource wealth, particularly in the context of military and economic competition among global powers. Greenland's geopolitical role has evolved, especially during the Cold War, when it became critical for monitoring missile threats. An interesting detail is that while the idea of purchasing Greenland was met with skepticism, it highlights the ongoing strategic competition in the Arctic region, especially as climate change opens new waterways.

The Basic Structure Doctrine, established in the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case, maintains that certain fundamental features of the Constitution, including individual dignity, cannot be altered by amendments. This doctrine ensures that the core values of the Constitution are preserved, even as society evolves. An interesting aspect of this doctrine is its role in maintaining a balance between the need for constitutional flexibility and the protection of fundamental rights, thus safeguarding individual dignity against arbitrary governmental changes.