Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 16th January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

Male Sydney funnel-web spiders are distinct because they possess significantly larger venom glands, which allows them to produce potent venom capable of causing human fatalities. This key feature emphasizes the danger posed by these arachnids, making them among the most dangerous spiders in the world. Interestingly, the venom of the Sydney funnel-web spider contains over 40 different toxic proteins, contributing to its potency and complexity.

Blood money, also known as diya, serves primarily as a form of monetary compensation mandated under Islamic Sharia law. It is intended to provide financial support to the victim's family in cases of unintentional murder, especially when they choose not to seek retribution. This system emphasizes reconciliation and compensation rather than punitive measures, although the state still retains the right to impose additional penalties if deemed necessary. An interesting fact is that the concept of blood money highlights the balance between individual justice and community harmony in certain cultures, allowing victims' families to receive compensation while avoiding further bloodshed.

The primary advantage of Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) is that it improves recovery rates while minimizing environmental impact. EKM utilizes electric fields to enhance the movement of metals and particles, resulting in a recovery rate exceeding 95% for heavy rare earth elements. This method significantly reduces the use of harmful leaching agents and lowers energy consumption, making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional mining practices. Interestingly, the shift toward eco-friendly extraction methods like EKM is gaining traction due to increasing global demand for rare earth elements in technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

The PLI Scheme 1.1 aims to enhance domestic manufacturing of high-value steel, which is crucial for improving India's competitiveness in the global steel market and reducing reliance on imports. This initiative focuses on developing specific categories of specialty steel that can meet the growing demands of various sectors, such as automotive and infrastructure. Interestingly, the scheme also includes provisions that encourage investment and production flexibility, making it a strategic move to boost the steel industry in India.

Electrical Steel, particularly Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented (CRGO) Steel, is crucial for power transformers and various electrical applications due to its excellent magnetic properties. This type of steel minimizes energy losses during the operation of transformers, making it essential for efficient electrical systems. Understanding the specific applications of different steel types can greatly enhance one's awareness of material science in engineering and manufacturing processes. For example, the efficiency of transformers directly impacts energy distribution systems, highlighting the role of Electrical Steel in sustainable energy practices.

The reduction in investment and capacity thresholds for CRGO Steel production encourages more companies to engage in this sector by lowering the financial barriers to entry. This strategic shift means that even smaller companies can participate and expand their operations, fostering a more competitive market environment. The initiative aligns with the Atmanirbharta movement, promoting self-reliance in manufacturing, particularly in critical sectors like electrical steel, which is essential for power transformers and other applications. An interesting fact is that CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented) steel is specifically designed to reduce energy losses in transformers, making it a vital material in the electrical industry.

The simplification of guidelines for industry participation is one of the key benefits introduced for CRGO steel production under the Atmanirbharta initiative. This change is designed to enhance accessibility for companies, encouraging greater involvement in the sector. The initiative reflects a strategic priority for boosting CRGO production, which is essential for power transformers and other electrical applications. Interestingly, the Atmanirbharta initiative aims to promote self-reliance in manufacturing, which aligns with global trends encouraging local production and reducing dependency on imports.

The PLI Scheme 2.0, launched in May 2023, primarily aims to boost domestic production of laptops, tablets, servers, and PCs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening the domestic technology sector. The scheme comes with a significantly higher budget and targets substantial investments and export growth in the electronics sector. Interestingly, the expected export growth under this scheme is projected to reach between $12 to $17 billion by the fiscal years 2025-2026, highlighting its potential impact on the Indian economy.

India has been categorized in Tier 2 of the AI export framework, which imposes restrictions on importing advanced AI chips. This classification means that India is limited to importing approximately 50,000 advanced AI chips through 2027, with potential for increase based on agreements with the US. Understanding these classifications is crucial, as they reflect the geopolitical relationships and technological access between countries, influencing international AI development strategies.

Countries in Tier 1 are recognized as close allies of the US, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the UK, and they face minimal restrictions on the export of AI hardware. This tier signifies a special relationship with the US that fosters collaboration in advanced technology sectors, providing these nations with greater access to cutting-edge AI resources, which can significantly enhance their technological capabilities.