Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 11th May 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The India-U.K. FTA is expected to significantly reduce tariffs on automotive exports from the U.K., dropping from over 100% to 10%. This change aims to facilitate stronger bilateral trade by making U.K. automotive products more competitive in the Indian market, thereby benefiting both countries' economies. Interestingly, this reduction in tariffs reflects broader trends in global trade agreements that seek to lower barriers and enhance trade flows.

Farmers’ groups are worried that the FTA could lead to price drops for critical agricultural products such as spices and tea. They reference past experiences with FTAs that resulted in reduced prices and increased competition, which could adversely affect their livelihoods. This concern highlights the delicate balance between opening markets and protecting local agricultural interests, a common theme in trade negotiations.

The concerns regarding the Gomti River primarily arise from rapid urbanization, which poses significant threats to its ecological health. Urbanization can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and reduced water quality, all of which jeopardize the river's ability to sustain its ecosystem and the communities that rely on it. An interesting fact is that the Gomti River serves not only as a water source but also as a cultural and ecological lifeline for the surrounding areas, making its preservation crucial.

The RNA exosome is a multi-protein complex that plays a crucial role in processing and degrading various types of RNA molecules, including maturing ribosomal RNA and eliminating faulty messenger RNA. This function is vital for maintaining cellular RNA integrity and regulating gene expression. Notably, mutations impacting the RNA exosome have been linked to neurological disorders, highlighting its importance in human health.

The theme for National Technology Day 2025 is "YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration." This theme underscores the importance of innovation and research in technology, indicating a forward-looking approach to technological development in India. The term "YANTRA" signifies a connection to India's scientific heritage, while "Yugantar" emphasizes a transformational shift towards leading global technological advancements. This focus reflects India's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation and development.

LICONN, or Light-microscopy-based Connectomics, is a groundbreaking technique that allows for the nanoscale mapping of brain cell connections using light microscopy. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on electron microscopy, LICONN combines various technologies, including artificial intelligence, to visualize neural connections while identifying specific molecules. This advancement significantly enhances our understanding of brain connectivity and opens new avenues for research into neurological functions and disorders, showcasing the intersection of technology and neuroscience.

The primary process through which heavy elements such as gold are produced in magnetars is known as r-process nucleosynthesis. This rapid neutron-capture process occurs in extreme environments where atomic nuclei can quickly capture neutrons, leading to the formation of heavy elements. Magnetars, with their exceptionally strong magnetic fields, can emit intense bursts of energy during flares, creating the necessary conditions for this nucleosynthesis to take place. Interestingly, this challenges the previous belief that such heavy elements primarily formed during neutron star mergers.

The legal principle that permits a state to use military force against non-state actors when the host state is unable or unwilling to address the threat is known as the Unwilling or Unable Doctrine. This doctrine has gained traction in international law, particularly after events like 9/11, where states argue that they must take proactive measures against terrorism emanating from another country's territory. This approach raises complex discussions about sovereignty and the limits of self-defense.

The CBAM, implemented by the U.K., may impose carbon pricing on imports, which could significantly impact India’s exports of aluminum and steel. This mechanism aims to ensure that imported goods meet certain environmental standards, potentially increasing costs for Indian exporters. Such regulations are becoming more common globally as countries seek to address climate change, influencing international trade dynamics.

Scientists achieved a groundbreaking feat by compiling genetic data from 144 varieties of Asian rice, creating the first-ever pangenome for this species. This comprehensive genetic map includes both core genes shared among all varieties and unique genes specific to individual strains. This advancement is crucial for improving rice breeding programs, particularly in enhancing traits such as disease resistance and climate resilience. An interesting aspect of this research is that it mirrors the goals of the Human Genome Project, aiming to unlock genetic diversity for better food security.