Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 3rd Decmeber 2024 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Exercise Harimau Shakti aims primarily to enhance the military capabilities of both India and Malaysia for conducting counter-insurgency operations specifically in jungle terrain. This collaborative military exercise provides an opportunity for both nations to improve their tactics and techniques for operating in complex environments, thereby increasing their operational effectiveness. An interesting fact is that this exercise alternates between the two countries annually, demonstrating a commitment to mutual defense and cooperation.

The Gandhamardan Hills have been designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site due to their significant ecological value, including a rich diversity of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the area. This designation, made in March 2023, reflects the importance of conserving the unique biodiversity found in this region. Additionally, the hills play a crucial role in supporting local communities, highlighting the balance between environmental conservation and community livelihood. An interesting aspect is that the region is home to several medicinal plants, which are vital for traditional health practices among local populations.

The recent data indicates that 33.6% of India's coastline is threatened by erosion. This statistic highlights a significant environmental concern, as coastal erosion can lead to loss of habitat, increased vulnerability to storm surges, and other ecological consequences. Understanding the scale of this issue is critical for implementing effective coastal management strategies.

Increased rainfall is not identified as a direct cause of coastal erosion in the context provided. The primary factors contributing to coastal erosion include rising sea levels due to climate change, unregulated sand mining that disrupts sediment flow, and mangrove depletion, which reduces natural barriers against wave action. Understanding these causes is essential for developing effective coastal protection measures.

Unsustainable agricultural practices are identified as a primary cause of land degradation. These practices include excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as improper irrigation techniques, which damage soil health and contribute to water depletion. Interestingly, while climate change and urbanization exacerbate land degradation, the immediate practices in agriculture have a direct and profound impact on the land's productivity and health.

South Asia is highlighted as a region particularly vulnerable to land degradation. This area faces severe soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and water shortages, which are compounded by high population densities and economic pressures. An important fact is that drylands, which encompass a significant portion of South Asia, house around one-third of the global population, making the issue of land degradation critical not only for environmental sustainability but also for food security and livelihoods in these regions.

The PRAGATI platform is designed to monitor and improve the delivery of infrastructure projects across India. Launched in 2015, it enhances governance by facilitating real-time communication and accountability among various government levels. This structured approach allows the Prime Minister's Office to conduct monthly reviews, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and effectively. Interestingly, PRAGATI has significantly expedited the implementation of numerous infrastructure projects valued at billions of dollars, showcasing its impact on governance and project management.

The Nazca Lines are large geoglyphs created on the ground in the Nazca Desert of Peru, featuring intricate designs that include animals, plants, and geometric patterns. These lines are believed to have been created between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500, and they represent one of archaeology's greatest enigmas. Researchers speculate that the lines might have had religious or astronomical significance. An interesting fact about the Nazca Lines is that their visibility and preservation are due to the region's dry climate, which prevents erosion and keeps the designs intact over centuries.

The primary purpose of the proposed Global One-Stop Centres is to provide comprehensive support to women in vulnerable situations. These centres are designed to address immediate needs and offer essential assistance, including shelter and support services, particularly for Indian women abroad facing distressing circumstances. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable populations.

The warning issued by Trump regarding potential tariffs on BRICS nations primarily highlights the implications for the dollar's dominance as the global reserve currency. By threatening to impose tariffs if these nations attempt to create alternatives to the dollar, it reflects concerns about maintaining the dollar's supremacy in international finance. This scenario illustrates the geopolitical tensions surrounding currency reliance and the potential economic consequences for nations seeking to reduce their dependency on the US dollar.