Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 9th September 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The recent development in the bilateral relations between India and Singapore is the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This signifies a deeper level of cooperation between the two nations, encompassing various fields, including trade, defense, and cultural exchange. Such partnerships are crucial for fostering stronger ties and addressing common challenges in the region.

Singapore is the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India. This substantial inflow of investment plays a vital role in various sectors of the Indian economy, enhancing economic growth and facilitating technological exchange. Singapore’s strategic investments have contributed significantly to India's development trajectory.

A staggering 69% of global plastic waste emissions come from just 20 countries. This statistic highlights the concentrated nature of plastic pollution and the critical need for targeted waste management strategies in these countries. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling the global plastic crisis effectively.

Climate change and global warming are significant factors affecting cyclone unpredictability in the Indian Ocean. As ocean temperatures rise, they alter traditional weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events. This leads to less predictable cyclone behavior, making forecasting more challenging. Interestingly, the Indian Ocean's warming also impacts global ocean currents, which can have cascading effects on weather patterns worldwide.

The North Indian Ocean is unique in that it has two distinct cyclone seasons, unlike many other global regions that typically have only one. This variation affects the timing and intensity of cyclone formation, with specific climatic conditions influencing cyclogenesis differently in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Understanding this distinction is crucial for preparing for weather-related challenges in the region.

The AAP government in Delhi agreed to sign the MoU for the PM-SHRI scheme primarily to secure funding for education after the Central government halted financial support under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The decision reflects the government’s recognition of the need for collaboration with the Central government to ensure adequate resources for educational development, especially in light of financial pressures faced by the state.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 primarily aims to guarantee food and nutritional security for citizens by ensuring access to adequate quality food at affordable prices. This legislation is significant in addressing hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. An interesting fact is that the Act legally entitles beneficiaries to receive subsidized food grains, transforming food security programs into enforceable rights.

Mini Steel Plants are smaller operations that primarily focus on recycling scrap metal using electric arc furnaces (EAF) or induction furnaces (IF). They mainly produce long steel products for the construction industry and local markets. An additional detail is that these plants contribute significantly to the overall steel production in India while being more flexible and quicker to adapt to market demands compared to larger integrated facilities.

Properties left behind by individuals who migrated to countries considered as enemies (like Pakistan or China) are classified as enemy properties under the Enemy Property Act. This classification allows the Indian government to seize and manage these assets, denying rights to the heirs of those who migrated. Interestingly, there are over 13,000 enemy properties across India, with a significant number located in Uttar Pradesh.

In 2022, India implemented the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, which banned 19 categories of single-use plastics. This initiative aims to combat plastic pollution by reducing reliance on disposable plastic items, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing environmental protection. India’s proactive approach reflects a growing global commitment to addressing plastic waste and its harmful impacts on ecosystems.