Test: Weekly Current Affairs: June 22nd to 30th - Humanities/Arts MCQ

In 2024, the world's 65 largest banks committed a total of $869 billion to fossil fuel industries, marking a significant increase from $707 billion in 2023. This increase raises concerns about sustainability and climate commitments, highlighting the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels despite global efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources.

On June 22, 2025, the United States conducted military strikes against three critical nuclear facilities in Iran, which heightened tensions in the Middle East. These actions targeted sites essential for uranium enrichment, raising significant concerns about nuclear safety and potential geopolitical repercussions in the region.

The International Society of Blood Transfusion officially recognized the EMM-negative blood group system, also known as Gwada negative, highlighting a unique case from a woman in Guadeloupe. This rare blood type poses specific challenges for transfusions, as individuals can only receive blood from themselves, underscoring the importance of advancements in transfusion medicine and genetic research.

In 2024, the financing for fossil fuels by the State Bank of India (SBI) increased by $65 million, bringing the total to $2.62 billion. This increase positioned SBI as the 47th largest lender in fossil fuel financing, despite its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2055, illustrating the complexities in balancing financial practices with sustainability goals.

The primary concern associated with the U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities is nuclear proliferation. These strikes have raised alarms about the potential for Iran to advance its nuclear capabilities without international oversight, thereby increasing the risk of nuclear weapons development and regional instability.

As of March 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) identified 2,664 corporates as wilful defaulters. This troubling trend reflects broader issues of corporate governance and financial accountability, with these firms collectively owing a significant amount to the banking sector, raising concerns about liquidity and credit availability.

The EMM-negative blood group system, identified in a woman from Guadeloupe, is significant as it is the 48th globally recognized blood group system in transfusion science. This discovery emphasizes the advancements in genetic research and the importance of understanding rare blood types for medical practices, particularly in transfusion medicine.

The Union Budget for 2025-26 earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for India's Nuclear Energy Mission. This initiative aims to expand the use of clean and reliable nuclear power across the country, addressing the rising demand for electricity and enhancing energy security.

Kerala and Chandigarh shared the top position in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, highlighting their effective conservation practices. Kerala's commitment to wildlife management and biodiversity conservation is reflected in its high ratings, showcasing the state's successful strategies in environmental stewardship.

The main purpose of the caste Census being conducted in Himachal Pradesh is to collect comprehensive data on the state's caste demographics. This initiative aims to provide insights into the socio-economic status of different caste groups, which could inform welfare policies and political strategies moving forward.

The Nipah virus primarily transmits to humans through direct contact with infected animals, particularly fruit bats, as well as through contaminated food. Understanding the transmission dynamics is essential for managing outbreaks, especially in high-risk regions where past incidents have led to severe health crises.

A concerning trend observed in 2024 was the backtracking on climate finance commitments by major banks, including European institutions. Despite previous commitments to reduce fossil fuel investments, these banks increased their financing for fossil fuel industries, raising alarms about their adherence to sustainability goals.

The Nipah virus infection has a mortality rate exceeding 50%, making it a significant public health threat. The severity of the disease ranges from mild respiratory symptoms to fatal encephalitis, highlighting the need for rapid detection and intervention strategies to manage outbreaks effectively.

The Rajasthan government is considering modifying the boundaries of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) within the Sariska Tiger Reserve to facilitate the reopening of over 50 marble and dolomite mines. This proposal raises important concerns about the potential impact on tiger movement and habitat integrity.

The key sectors identified for vocational training in India's Skills for the Future report include Information Technology and IT-enabled Services, Textile and Apparel, Electronics, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Beauty and Wellness. These sectors are deemed critical for improving job readiness among the youth and aligning with industry demands.

The Supreme Court of India is overseeing the process of redrawing the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve through a Central Empowered Committee (CEC). This oversight is crucial to address concerns regarding boundary demarcation and illegal mining activities, ensuring that conservation efforts remain a priority.

Pakistan faces significant challenges related to climate vulnerability, as evidenced by recent flash floods that resulted in fatalities and disaster alerts. The country's geographical features, including its numerous glaciers, exacerbate the risks associated with climate change, making it the most climate-vulnerable nation globally.

The nuclear power plant planned for Bihar will utilize Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, which is known for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. SMRs offer a safer alternative to traditional reactors and can be deployed in smaller grids, aligning with the goal of enhancing energy security in the state.

The EMM-negative blood type is characterized by the absence of the EMM antigen on red blood cells. This unique trait makes individuals with this blood type particularly rare and highlights the importance of genetic research in understanding human immunohematological diversity.

According to the Global Tobacco Epidemic report, daily adult smoking rates in India stand at 7%. This statistic underscores the ongoing public health challenges posed by tobacco use and highlights the importance of effective tobacco control measures, such as graphic health warnings.

The rapid test kit developed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) is designed to detect the Nipah virus. This portable kit significantly enhances rapid detection capabilities in high-risk areas, which is crucial for timely public health responses to potential outbreaks.

Approximately 48.39 square kilometers are proposed to be excluded from the Critical Tiger Habitat within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This proposed change raises concerns about its impact on tiger populations and internal connectivity, highlighting the delicate balance between conservation and economic development.

Pakistan estimates that it will require approximately $200 billion to address climate change by 2030. This substantial financial need underscores the urgency of international cooperation and support in tackling the severe impacts of climate change on the country's population and infrastructure.

The Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) assesses the management practices of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across India. It focuses on various factors such as habitat conditions and species monitoring, providing insights into the effectiveness of conservation efforts and guiding future improvements.

The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement exacerbated concerns regarding climate financing. This decision not only affected the commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also impacted global financing patterns, leading to increased investments in fossil fuels by major banks, contrary to climate goals.