Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 26th December 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The primary purpose of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is to track changes in the purchasing power of money over time by measuring the average change in prices of a fixed basket of goods and services consumed by households. This index plays a crucial role in economic policy, helping to assess inflation and guiding decisions regarding monetary policy, wage adjustments, and social benefits. An interesting fact is that the CPI is often used as a benchmark for adjusting payments in contracts, pensions, and social security benefits to keep up with inflation.

MoSPI is proposing to introduce a new base year of 2024 for the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This change is intended to reflect current consumption patterns more accurately and improve the overall measurement of inflation. Updating the base year allows for adjustments in the weights and items included in the CPI basket, thus ensuring that it aligns with the latest economic realities. An important aspect of this revision is the consideration of including free items distributed under the Public Distribution System, which could significantly impact inflation representation.

The CPI basket includes categories such as Fuel and Light, Miscellaneous, and Housing, but it does not explicitly categorize "Entertainment." The Miscellaneous category encompasses a wide range of expenses, including education, healthcare, transport, and recreation, but specific entertainment costs are not singled out in the traditional CPI categories. Understanding these categories is essential for grasping how inflation affects different areas of consumer spending. An interesting note is that the CPI can influence economic policies, as a higher inflation rate may lead to changes in interest rates by central banks.

The primary purpose of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is to track inflation and assist in economic policy formulation. By monitoring the price changes of a fixed basket of goods, the CPI provides valuable insights into the purchasing power of money over time. This data helps policymakers, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to make informed decisions regarding interest rates and economic strategies. An interesting fact is that the CPI can also influence wage negotiations and pension adjustments, reflecting its significant role in the economy.

The Union Home Ministry has recently reduced the Free Movement Regime along the Myanmar border from 16 kilometers to a 10-kilometer radius. This change aims to address security concerns and maintain the demographic structure of the northeast region. The FMR originally facilitated easier cross-border movement for economic activities and family visits, but the new regulations require individuals to report at designated points and comply with security checks. This reflects a shift in policy in response to evolving security dynamics in the region. An interesting fact is that the origins of the FMR date back to the late 19th century when both India and Myanmar were under British colonial rule, highlighting the historical complexities of border management in this area.

Red pandas are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating that they are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. This classification is primarily due to habitat loss, which is significantly impacting their populations. An interesting fact about red pandas is that they are not closely related to giant pandas; instead, they belong to their own family, Ailuridae, and share more genetic similarities with raccoons and skunks. Their unique ecological role as an indicator species highlights the health of their forest ecosystems, further emphasizing the importance of their conservation.

Zepbound primarily functions by activating receptors for hormones such as glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which play crucial roles in appetite regulation and food intake reduction. This mechanism not only aids in weight loss but also helps alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) when used alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. Interestingly, the FDA's approval of Zepbound for OSA marks a significant development as it is the first pharmacological treatment specifically targeting this condition, highlighting the increasing recognition of the links between obesity and sleep disorders.

Zepbound operates primarily by activating receptors for hormones released by the intestine, specifically glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones play a crucial role in reducing appetite and food intake, helping individuals manage their weight more effectively. Interestingly, these hormones not only help with appetite regulation but also have a role in glucose metabolism, making them vital in the management of conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most prevalent form of sleep apnoea, characterized by a physical blockage of the airway during sleep. This blockage can occur due to various factors, including excess weight, which can lead to the collapse of the throat muscles. Understanding the mechanisms behind OSA is essential for effective treatment and management, particularly since obesity significantly increases the risk of developing this disorder.

Over 50% of patients diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) are classified as obese. This high percentage highlights the strong correlation between obesity and sleep apnoea, where excess fat in the neck and abdomen can obstruct the airway during sleep. This relationship underscores the importance of addressing weight management as a key component in the treatment and prevention of OSA.