Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 2nd May 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The primary purpose of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is to combat money laundering and allow for the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. Enacted in January 2003, the PMLA establishes legal frameworks for the enforcement of anti-money laundering measures, aiming to prevent the legitimization of illegally obtained funds. An interesting fact is that the Act requires institutions to maintain records of their clients to verify their identities, thus playing a crucial role in ensuring financial transparency.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the primary agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of money laundering under the PMLA. This includes the authority to attach properties involved in money laundering and file prosecution complaints against offenders. The ED plays a critical role in enforcing economic laws and ensuring that illicit financial activities are prosecuted. Notably, since 2014, the ED has significantly intensified its actions, reflecting a stronger institutional response to economic offenses in India.

The primary goal of the IPMDA initiative is to improve maritime surveillance and provide actionable intelligence to partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in critical sea lanes and track illicit maritime activities, thereby bolstering maritime security and cooperation among nations. An interesting fact about IPMDA is that it leverages advanced technology, including satellite data, to monitor maritime activities in near real-time.

To be classified as "green," hydrogen production must adhere to strict emissions standards, specifically that non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions must be less than 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen, averaged over a year. This criterion ensures that the hydrogen produced is environmentally sustainable. Notably, this certification scheme aims to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen, aligning with international standards to enhance credibility and investor confidence.

The recent survey in the Gundaram Reserve Forest uncovered inscriptions dating back to the Satavahana period. These inscriptions are crucial for understanding the historical context of the region, particularly its connections to ancient dynasties and religious practices. They highlight the cultural and political landscape of early South India, including the religious symbols that were prevalent at the time.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is notable for being India's first dedicated transshipment port, strategically located to enhance maritime trade. Its advanced features, including AI-powered traffic management systems and automation, position it as a significant player in global shipping. This project aims to reduce India's reliance on foreign ports for transshipment, thus boosting the local economy.

The SECC 2011 aimed to assess the socio-economic status of households across urban and rural areas. This involved a detailed door-to-door enumeration to collect comprehensive data on various aspects of households, including income, education, and occupation, which is essential for targeted welfare measures and policy formulation. An interesting fact is that the SECC 2011 was the first attempt since the 1931 Census to collect caste-specific data, although the detailed caste data was not released publicly.

Ukraine is known to have significant lithium reserves, estimated at around 500,000 metric tonnes, which are essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries. Lithium is a critical mineral used in rechargeable batteries, and as the demand for electric vehicles rises, so does the strategic importance of lithium supply chains. Interestingly, Ukraine's lithium deposits are primarily located in its central, eastern, and southeastern regions, contributing to its role as a vital player in the European electric vehicle market.

Private Member's Bills (PMBs) are significant in the Indian legislative process as they provide an opportunity for non-minister Members of Parliament (MPs) to introduce legislation that reflects public interest and their ideological stances. These bills often focus on issues that may not be prioritized by the government, thus offering a platform for diverse voices in the legislative assembly. Historically, however, PMBs face challenges in gaining traction; only a few have been passed since Independence, highlighting the need for a conducive environment for legislative discussions.

The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) was utilized in the T-8 tunnel project, particularly to manage the complexities of the geological conditions encountered. This method allows for better adaptability to varying rock conditions and employs a systematic approach to tunnel support and excavation. An interesting aspect of this project is that it marks a significant engineering achievement as it will be the longest rail tunnel in India, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time significantly between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag.