Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 11 April 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The zombie virus is related to global warming and the thawing of Arctic permafrost. The rising temperatures caused by global warming have led to the thawing of previously frozen ice, which could unleash “zombie viruses”. The zombie virus is an amoeba virus that scientists have revived from the melted ice. The new strain has one of 13 viral genomes, with Pandoravirus yedoma, 48,500 years old, being the longest frozen virus to become infectious. Scientists are developing an Arctic surveillance system to detect and contain outbreaks.

Punjab and West Bengal have challenged the central government’s decision to expand the Border Security Force’s (BSF) operational jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km. They argue that this move violates federal principles and encroaches on state law and order powers. The BSF, established in 1965 after the India-Pakistan war, is a vital part of India’s security apparatus, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has over 2 lakhs personnel and is primarily deployed along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including the Indo-Pakistan International Border and Indo-Bangladesh International Border.

India recently overtook Hong Kong as the world’s fourth-largest equity market, boasting a total market value of $4.33 trillion, surpassing Hong Kong’s $4.29 trillion. The leading global stock markets are currently the U.S., China, and Japan. This milestone underscores India’s rising prominence in the global financial arena, propelled by a robust GDP, political stability, foreign investments, and its appeal as an alternative to China. Meanwhile, Hong Kong grapples with challenges like COVID-19 restrictions, regulatory crackdowns, a property crisis, and geopolitical tensions, affecting its attractiveness to investors.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 5th International and 44th All India Criminology Conference at the National Forensic Science University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The conference focused on Forensic Behavioural Science, an emerging field highlighted by Shah. Emphasizing the role of Behavioral Science in crime prevention, he inaugurated a Digital Forensic Excellence Centre for capacity building and investigations, underscoring its importance alongside a robust administration and judiciary.

The RBI’s “Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)” report analyzes data from 2.58 lakh Panchayats for 2020-21 to 2022-23, highlighting key findings. Panchayats heavily rely on grants (95%) due to limited own revenue sources like property taxes. Inter-state variations in devolution impact socio-economic outcomes. Inconsistent data poses challenges in assessing fiscal health. PRIs struggle with local tax revenue generation due to a limited tax base, administrative issues, and unclear guidelines. Revenue sources include Central and State government grants, and PRIs have the authority to impose taxes and fees.

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar won the 2023 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the 25th time. The trophy is awarded annually by the President of India to the university with the best overall performance in sports at national, international, and inter-university competitions.

On December 17, 2023, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the International Gita Seminar and Geeta Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
The theme of this year is – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Universal Unity.” The International Geeta Mahotsav programs are scheduled from December 7 to December 24, with the main event taking place from December 17 to December 24. Assam plays a pivotal role as the main state partner for this program. The event is organized collaboratively by the Kurukshetra Development Board, Haryana Tourism, District Administration, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, and the Information and Public Relations Department of Haryana.

Recently, 1467 projects of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been brought under the Bhoomi Rashi Portal. The objective of Bhoomi Rashi portal is to provide a single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development projects in India and payment of compensation for land acquisition.

Researchers from Visva-Bharati University discovered a new plant growth-promoting bacteria species which they named Pantoea Tagorei, in homage to Rabindranath Tagore’s agricultural promotion efforts. The bacteria has unique properties that enhance soil nutrients.

12% of worldwide trade passes through the Suez Canal, which handles ship passages between Asia and Europe. The canal has faced disruptions after recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group on ships in the Red Sea. This has choked trade and prompted the establishment of a naval task force for safe passage. The hostilities impact the movement of global goods, causing supply chain backups and shortages. The attacks are part of the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The location of the Suez Canal makes the disruptions strategically important.