Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 12th January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The shift in India's crude oil imports in December 2024 was significantly influenced by a decrease in Russian oil supply, which was primarily due to rising domestic demand within Russia itself. This situation compelled Indian refiners to seek alternative sources, leading to a notable increase in imports from West Asian countries, particularly Iraq and the UAE. As a point of interest, this change highlights how geopolitical factors and domestic market dynamics can drastically alter international trade patterns in commodities like crude oil.

Kappad Beach in Kozhikode and Chal Beach in Kannur have recently achieved the prestigious Blue Flag certification. This certification is internationally recognized and aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental education. By meeting high standards in water quality, environmental management, and safety, these beaches contribute to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting responsible tourism. Interestingly, the Blue Flag program started in France in 1985 and has since expanded globally, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness in recreational areas.

The primary health risk associated with excessive nitrate levels in groundwater is methemoglobinemia, commonly known as "blue baby syndrome." This condition affects infants and can be particularly dangerous as it reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Nitrate converts into nitrite in the body, which binds to hemoglobin, creating methemoglobin that does not effectively transport oxygen, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin and potentially serious health complications. An interesting fact is that this condition is especially prevalent in areas with high agricultural activity, where fertilizers contribute significantly to nitrate pollution in groundwater.

The total capacity of the Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project (PHEP-II) is 1 GW (or 1000 MW). This facility is designed as a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power-generating plant, which utilizes the flow of the river to generate electricity without the need for large reservoirs. This type of hydroelectric project is considered more environmentally friendly, as it minimizes the impact on local ecosystems compared to traditional dam-based projects.

The concrete gravity dam in the Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project has a height of 91 meters. This dam is crucial for storing water and managing the flow necessary for electricity generation, showcasing the importance of dam height in determining the potential energy available for hydroelectric power.

The underground powerhouse is equipped with six Francis turbines, each with a capacity of 170 MW. Francis turbines are widely used in hydroelectric plants due to their efficient operation across a wide range of water flow and head conditions, making them ideal for projects like Punatsangchhu II.

Upon commissioning of all units, the expected annual power generation of the Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project will reach 4,357 million units of electricity. This significant output reflects the project's capacity to meet energy demands and contribute to the regional power supply, emphasizing the role of large-scale hydroelectric projects in renewable energy production.

The diversion tunnel in the Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project has a diameter of 12 meters. This size is essential for managing the water flow effectively, allowing for the safe passage of large volumes of water during construction and operation, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the dam structure.

The upper cofferdam in the Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project measures 168.75 meters in length. Cofferdams are temporary structures used to hold back water and create a dry work environment for construction activities, highlighting their critical role in the successful completion of hydraulic engineering projects.

The bladders of Utricularia plants serve a unique and specialized function: they capture and digest small aquatic animals. These bladders act as traps, utilizing a quick mechanism that involves a trap door which opens when tiny hairs are triggered by the presence of prey. This allows the prey to be sucked in and sealed within milliseconds, showcasing an extraordinary adaptation for nutrient acquisition in nutrient-poor habitats. Interestingly, Utricularia is considered the most diverse genus of carnivorous plants, with around 220 species identified worldwide.