Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 6th December 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Cape buffalo is known to inhabit swamps, floodplains, and areas with dense cover, such as reeds and thickets. Their preference for these environments allows them to find ample food sources and protection from predators. An interesting fact about Cape buffalo is that they are highly social animals, living in herds organized by a dominance hierarchy, which provides them with increased protection against threats.

The Hornbill Festival serves the important purpose of fostering interaction among the various tribes of Nagaland while preserving and showcasing their rich cultural heritage. This festival, often referred to as the "festival of festivals," combines traditional and modern elements to highlight the unity and diversity of Nagaland's tribes. A fascinating aspect of the festival is that it not only features cultural performances but also includes activities like Naga wrestling and traditional archery, which are integral to the local culture.

Lake-effect snow is formed when cold air, often coming from Canada, moves over warmer waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air interacts with the relatively warmer lake water, it picks up heat and moisture. This process causes the air to rise, leading to cloud formation and resulting in significant snowfall downwind from the lake. An interesting fact is that lake-effect snow can produce snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour or more, creating heavy snow bands in localized areas.

The main goal of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience is to enhance the resilience of submarine cables, which are essential for global communication and the digital economy. This initiative brings together 40 members from various countries, including telecommunications experts and regulatory heads, to address challenges faced by submarine cable infrastructure. An interesting aspect of this body is its focus on promoting best practices and reducing risks associated with cable damage, ensuring these vital systems remain functional even amid increasing traffic and environmental risks.

The Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD) aims primarily to improve food security and develop strong livelihoods for the 2.7 billion people living in dry areas, particularly in Asia and Africa. This initiative focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by these regions, including climate change and biodiversity loss, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture and community resilience. An interesting fact is that drylands cover about 40% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to a significant portion of the world’s population, making their sustainable management crucial for global food systems.

The Anna Chakra tool is developed and launched by the Department of Food Public Distribution, Government of India. This initiative aims to optimize the supply chain of the Public Distribution System (PDS) throughout the country, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in food distribution. By utilizing advanced algorithms for route optimization, the tool aims to streamline logistical operations, which is crucial for addressing food security in India. Notably, the PDS is one of the largest food distribution networks in the world, serving millions of people.

The primary challenge faced by State Finance Commissions is the vertical fiscal imbalance, which refers to the significant gap in revenue-raising capabilities between the Union government and state governments. While the Union generates a higher portion of the nation's revenue, states are tasked with a greater share of expenditure, leading to funding shortages for development projects. This imbalance hinders states' ability to meet their financial and developmental needs effectively.

Increasing the portion of gross central taxes allocated to states from 41% to at least 50% is a recommended reform aimed at enhancing the financial independence of states. This reform allows states to have more resources at their disposal, enabling them to fund local projects that address community needs effectively. A higher allocation can also help balance disparities between more developed and less developed states, fostering equitable growth.

The Cape buffalo is classified as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status indicates that while they are not currently facing an imminent risk of extinction, they are experiencing declining populations due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. An interesting fact is that Cape buffalo are known for their strength and resilience, often challenging predators like lions when threatened, which underscores their role in the ecosystem as a keystone species.

The occurrence and location of lake-effect snow are mainly influenced by wind speed and direction, as well as the topography of the surrounding area. The alignment of the wind with the lake's orientation can determine where the snow bands will form and how intensely they will affect certain areas. For instance, areas downwind of the Great Lakes often receive the heaviest snowfall due to these factors. Interestingly, the unique geography of the Great Lakes contributes to the phenomenon, as the lakes can create localized weather patterns that differ significantly from adjacent land areas.