Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 16th May 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The IAEA's primary role is to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology while ensuring adherence to non-proliferation norms. This includes monitoring nuclear activities, providing technical support for peaceful nuclear applications, and facilitating international cooperation on nuclear safety and security. An interesting fact is that the IAEA operates autonomously within the UN system and is often referred to as the "Atoms for Peace and Development" organization.

Votes cast under NOTA are counted but classified as invalid. This means that while voters have the option to express their dissatisfaction with all contesting candidates, it does not affect the election outcome. If NOTA receives the highest number of votes, the candidate with the second-highest valid votes is declared elected. This mechanism aims to enhance democratic expression among voters.

The threshold for the skilled worker visa has been raised back to degree level, which means applicants must now possess a degree to be eligible for this visa. This change reflects the UK government's strategy to prioritize skilled labor and manage immigration effectively. An interesting aspect is that this adjustment reverses a previous reduction in requirements, indicating a shift in immigration policy.

The outcome of the PIL filed by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy indicates that NOTA's legal status remains unchanged, as the Election Commission of India opposed making NOTA mandatory in all elections. They cited that uncontested elections are rare and that making NOTA compulsory would require legislative changes. This highlights the complexities involved in electoral reforms.

Dependents of visa holders must now demonstrate proficiency in English as part of the new immigration reforms. This requirement can complicate family reunification, particularly for families where members may not be fluent in English. Such conditions are aimed at ensuring that all immigrants can integrate more effectively into British society.

The IAEA contributes to global nuclear governance by ensuring that nuclear energy and technology are used exclusively for peaceful purposes. This includes implementing safeguards and conducting inspections to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials for military applications. The agency plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security in the context of nuclear proliferation.

The NOTA option was introduced to allow voters to reject all contesting candidates while preserving the secrecy of their choice. This option empowers voters to express dissatisfaction with the candidates available, thereby enhancing democratic engagement. It serves as a significant tool for voters who feel that none of the candidates represent their views adequately.

The duration of the graduate visa has been reduced from two years to 18 months. This change significantly impacts international students, especially those from India, as it limits their time to seek employment in the UK after graduation. The reduction reflects the UK government's broader strategy to manage immigration levels effectively.

The primary focus of the IAEA's comprehensive safeguards is to ensure that nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes. This involves monitoring nuclear facilities, conducting inspections, and analyzing information to prevent the misuse of nuclear materials. The IAEA aims to foster international trust and cooperation in the nuclear domain while promoting safety and security.

The Election Commission of India opposes making NOTA mandatory in all elections, citing that uncontested elections are rare and that implementing such a requirement would necessitate legislative changes to existing electoral laws. This position underscores the complexities involved in electoral reform and the balance between enhancing voter choice and practical governance.