Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 17th October 2024 - CUET Commerce MCQ

The primary purpose of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system in India is to protect agricultural producers against significant drops in prices, particularly during years of high production. By ensuring that farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their crops, the MSP helps prevent distress sales and supports the procurement of food grains for distribution. This system serves as a crucial market intervention tool to stabilize farmers' incomes.

Rice is not included in the list of rabi crops; it is primarily a kharif crop. The recently announced MSP for rabi crops includes wheat, barley, gram, lentil (masur), rapeseed & mustard, and safflower. The distinction between kharif and rabi crops is based on the season in which they are sown and harvested, with rabi crops typically sown in winter and harvested in spring. This classification is essential for understanding agricultural cycles and government support measures.

The primary goal of the Kaizen philosophy is to promote continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. This approach encourages all employees to contribute to enhancements in their work environment and processes, fostering a culture of engagement and ownership. The idea is that small adjustments can accumulate over time, leading to significant positive changes in efficiency and quality. Interestingly, Kaizen is not just a business technique; it has also found applications in various fields, including healthcare and education, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in driving improvement.

The FAO report highlights that poor farming communities, women, and youth face disproportionate impacts from climate change in rural India. These groups are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on climate-sensitive agricultural practices, which are severely affected by climate-induced phenomena like heat stress, floods, and droughts. This vulnerability is compounded by systemic inequalities that limit their resources and opportunities. An interesting fact is that addressing these vulnerabilities not only helps improve livelihoods but also contributes to broader goals of gender equality and economic resilience in rural areas.

The ISA Assembly is the highest decision-making authority for the International Solar Alliance, focusing on decisions related to the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement. It aims to coordinate actions and evaluate the impact of solar energy programs, making it crucial for advancing solar energy initiatives globally. An interesting fact is that the ISA was established during COP21 in Paris, emphasizing the international commitment to renewable energy solutions.

The DTAB proposes that all antibiotics be classified under the definition of new drugs as per the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019. This classification would necessitate stricter regulatory measures, including requiring documentation for their manufacturing and sale, and mandates that prescriptions be obtained to purchase antibiotics. This change aims to enhance the control over antibiotic use and combat antibiotic resistance, which is a growing global health concern.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) serves as a structured framework designed to address air pollution issues specifically in the Delhi-NCR region. It is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches "poor" levels, implementing measures to mitigate pollution, especially during winter months when air quality often deteriorates. This systematic approach helps ensure that timely actions are taken to protect public health.

The Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) is renowned for its rich deposits of platinum-group metals (PGMs), including platinum, palladium, osmium, iridium, rhodium, and ruthenium. Additionally, it contains significant amounts of other minerals such as iron, tin, chromium, titanium, and vanadium. This diversity of resources makes the BIC one of the most valuable geological formations in the world, contributing significantly to the global supply of PGMs.

The SAMARTH Scheme aims specifically to encourage and enhance the textile industry's efforts in creating employment opportunities within the organized textile and related sectors. By focusing on the entire textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving, it seeks to address skill gaps and respond to industry demands. This initiative not only supports entry-level skill development but also includes upskilling programs for existing workers, thus boosting productivity in the sector. A noteworthy fact about India's textile industry is that it is one of the largest in the world, significantly contributing to the country's GDP and employment.

North Korea recently detonated explosives on key road and railway connections to South Korea, symbolizing the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This destruction serves as a stark reminder of the division that persists along one of the most fortified borders in the world. Historically, during periods of inter-Korean détente, some of these links were reopened, but their use diminished as tensions escalated, particularly due to North Korea's nuclear ambitions. An interesting aspect of this situation is that the Korean Peninsula remains in a state of technical war since the Korean War ended in 1953 with a ceasefire rather than a formal peace treaty, highlighting the fragile and complex nature of the relationship between the two Koreas.