Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th October 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The primary objective of the Pandemic Fund Project is to bolster animal health security in India, particularly in preparation for pandemics. This initiative aims to enhance and expand animal health laboratories and establish laboratory networks to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities. By focusing on strengthening animal health, the project seeks to mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, thereby protecting both public health and the agricultural sector.

The Gaganyaan mission is India's first manned space mission, scheduled for 2026. This mission is a major step in India's aspirations for human spaceflight, demonstrating the country's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration. The successful execution of Gaganyaan will not only enhance India's standing in the global space community but also inspire future generations to engage in science and technology fields. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space, showcasing India's growing prowess in the space sector.

Coking coal is primarily used in the production of steel. It serves as a crucial input material in steelmaking, specifically in blast furnaces where it is converted into coke. This coke acts as both a reducing agent for iron ore and a structural support for the materials in the furnace. Approximately 770 kilograms of coking coal are required to produce one ton of steel, highlighting its fundamental role in the steel industry. An interesting fact is that around 70% of the world's steel is produced using basic oxygen blast furnaces that rely heavily on coke derived from coking coal.

The recent significant decline of the Indian stock market can be attributed to a record sell-off by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), who withdrew a staggering Rs 85,790 crore in October alone. This outflow of funds has created negative pressure on stock prices, contributing to the overall downturn. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and weaker-than-expected corporate earnings further exacerbated the situation. An interesting point to note is that this pattern of FPI activity often reflects broader economic sentiments and can significantly influence market stability and investor confidence.

The Abhay ASW SWC is specifically designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal areas. Its construction emphasizes self-reliance in defense, with over 80% indigenous components, and it enhances the Indian Navy's capabilities to conduct coordinated missions against underwater threats. This vessel can also perform additional tasks such as Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine-laying, making it a versatile asset for coastal defense.

Triton Island is strategically significant due to its location within the South China Sea, which is known for its abundant fishing resources and potential oil and gas deposits. Although the island itself is small and previously uninhabited, its proximity to these valuable resources makes it a point of interest amidst territorial claims by several nations, including China and Vietnam. The political sensitivity surrounding the Paracel Islands further underscores Triton Island's importance in regional security dynamics.

Cybersquatting is primarily defined as the practice of registering or utilizing a domain name to gain profit from an existing trademark or the corporate or personal name of an individual. This often leads to legal disputes, as it is viewed as a means to extort profits or undermine rival businesses. An interesting fact is that typo squatting, a subtype of cybersquatting, involves purchasing misspelled versions of well-known brands to redirect unsuspecting users, showcasing the challenges of digital branding in the internet age.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory addressing the alarming rise of hoax bomb threats proliferating through social media platforms. These false threats have serious implications for aviation security, leading to unnecessary emergency protocols and significant financial losses for airlines. An interesting aspect of this situation is that intelligence agencies are actively tracking these threats, highlighting the intersection of digital communication and public safety in modern society.

The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status indicates that the species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival, especially since its population is limited to specific arid regions in India, including the Thar Desert.

The 21st Livestock Census will be fully digitized, marking a significant advancement in how data is collected and processed. This includes the use of mobile applications for data entry, monitoring through a digital dashboard, and the recording of geographic locations of data collection. The digitization aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in capturing detailed information about various animal species and their breeds, which has implications for livestock management and policy-making in India.