Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 18th December 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The government is reconsidering the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme primarily due to rising costs and increased competition from physical gold. As people find it more appealing to invest in physical gold, alongside the high costs associated with financing the bonds, the issuance of SGBs has significantly declined. This shift also poses a challenge to the scheme's original goal of reducing reliance on gold imports and encouraging savings in a more secure form. Interestingly, India's gold imports have a substantial impact on its trade deficit, making it crucial for the government to manage gold investments effectively.

The declining population of short neck clams has a direct negative impact on the livelihoods of local fishermen who depend on clam fishing for their income. As clam populations decrease due to factors such as environmental pollution and the introduction of invasive species, fishermen face reduced catches and income, affecting their economic stability. This situation highlights the importance of conservation efforts, such as the recent initiative to release clam seeds, which aims to restore populations and support the local fishing community. An interesting fact is that around 80% of the harvested clams are exported, emphasizing their economic significance beyond local consumption.

The "One Nation, One Election" initiative aims to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections so that voters can cast their ballots on the same day. This proposal is intended to streamline the electoral process and reduce the costs associated with conducting elections at different times. Historically, India held its first general elections simultaneously in 1951, but subsequent political changes led to a fragmented election cycle. Thus, this initiative seeks to return to that model of concurrent elections.

The Kerch Strait was the site of significant naval battles during World War II, marking it as a strategic military location. Control over this waterway was crucial for both Axis and Allied forces, leading to intense naval conflicts. Understanding the historical context of this strait helps to appreciate its ongoing geopolitical significance, especially in light of recent events and conflicts in the region. Today, the strait remains a focal point due to its strategic importance for maritime trade and military operations.

Wroughton’s free-tailed bat is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN. This classification indicates that there is insufficient data to assess its risk of extinction, despite its previous status of being critically endangered due to a limited known population. This highlights the necessity for more comprehensive research to better understand its population dynamics and conservation needs. Interestingly, this bat species is primarily found in the Western Ghats, an area known for its rich biodiversity.

The promotion of caste-based reservations is not a fundamental principle designed to protect individual rights; rather, it is a policy aimed at addressing historical inequalities among different social groups. The Indian Constitution ensures equality before the law, guarantees fundamental rights, and establishes a separation of powers among government branches to maintain checks and balances. This framework aims to protect individual dignity and rights while promoting a fair and just society. An interesting fact is that the Constitution was adopted in 1950 and is one of the longest written constitutions in the world.

The primary goal of the Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI) is to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods to enhance the conservation and understanding of cultural heritage. By fostering collaboration among experts and promoting scientific research, SHRI aims to safeguard cultural heritage while exploring innovative methods for preservation. This initiative represents a significant step towards a holistic approach to heritage conservation, combining age-old practices with contemporary technology to ensure the longevity and integrity of cultural artifacts.

One of the key initiatives of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is the program focused on Solarizing Heating and Cooling Systems. This initiative addresses the growing demand for efficient heating and cooling solutions across various sectors by utilizing solar-based technologies. As countries strive to reduce their carbon footprints and combat climate change, solar energy solutions like these play a crucial role. The ISA's broader mission includes mobilizing investments and expanding access to solar energy, reflecting a global commitment to sustainable energy practices.

The Supreme Court's interim order prevents T M Krishna from claiming recognition as a recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi award until a decision is made regarding an appeal challenging the award's grant to him. This highlights ongoing discussions about recognition in traditional arts and the importance of preserving the integrity of such honors within the music community. An interesting fact about the Carnatic music tradition is that it has a rich history of devotional compositions, deeply influenced by the Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion to God through music.

The NIA was established in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, with the aim of creating a dedicated agency for combating terrorism in India. Its powers have been expanded to include investigating a range of serious offences, and a recent ruling confirmed that its jurisdiction is not limited to only those offences explicitly listed in the NIA Act. This emphasizes the agency's critical role in national security and its ability to address various threats effectively. An additional fact is that the NIA is modeled similarly to the FBI in the United States, focusing on counter-terrorism and other serious crimes.