Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 11th September 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The Punjab government implements the distribution of subsidized crop residue management (CRM) machines to combat stubble burning. This initiative includes providing farmers with financial assistance for purchasing CRM equipment, which helps manage paddy residue sustainably. The goal is to reduce environmental pollution and promote healthier agricultural practices. An additional fact is that the state plans to distribute 22,000 CRM machines this season, building on the 130,000 machines provided since 2018.

The Delhi High Court ordered the Wikimedia Foundation to disclose information regarding users who edited ANI's Wikipedia page. This request is significant as it underscores the court's interest in understanding the context and accuracy of the claims made against ANI, and it raises questions about user privacy and the responsibilities of online platforms.

The primary goal of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) is to provide a reliable 24x7 electricity supply to rural regions. This initiative aims to enhance energy access, which is vital for economic development and improving the quality of life in rural communities. Reliable electricity can boost agricultural productivity and support local businesses.

The primary concern regarding the labor rights of Indian expatriates in the UAE is related to the Kafala labor system. This system has been criticized for its lack of protections for workers, making them vulnerable to exploitation. As India strengthens its ties with the UAE, there is an ongoing need for diplomatic engagement to reform labor practices and improve the welfare of expatriates. This issue highlights the importance of balancing economic cooperation with the protection of workers' rights in foreign countries.

Self-medication with antibiotics is a significant cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. Many individuals take antibiotics without medical consultation, often for viral infections where such treatments are ineffective. This misuse contributes to the development of resistant bacteria, often termed "superbugs," making common infections harder to treat.

The homegrown RT-PCR testing kit for detecting Mpox was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). This organization is responsible for regulating medical devices and pharmaceuticals in India, ensuring their safety and efficacy for public use. The development of this kit represents a significant advancement in India's capacity to respond to viral diseases.

A key outcome of the Supreme Court's directives regarding stubble burning in Punjab was the emphasis on the immediate cessation of crop burning. The Court urged the state governments to take decisive action against stubble burning due to its severe impacts on public health and the environment. This directive underscores the need for collaborative efforts among neighboring states to address this environmental challenge. An interesting fact is that last year, the number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab dropped to 35,000, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives.

The Wallace Line is ecologically significant because it separates species with distinct evolutionary histories, with Asiatic species like tigers on one side and Australian species like kangaroos on the other. This boundary illustrates the impact of geographical isolation on species evolution, demonstrating how environmental factors shape biodiversity.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between India and the UAE in February 2022. This agreement marked a significant milestone in their economic relationship, making India the first nation to secure such a deal with the UAE. The CEPA has resulted in a notable increase in bilateral trade, reflecting the growing economic ties between the two countries. An interesting fact about CEPA is that it aims to boost bilateral trade from approximately USD 85 billion to USD 100 billion by 2030.

ANI has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wikimedia Foundation, claiming that its portrayal on Wikipedia as a "propaganda tool" for the Indian government is damaging to its reputation. This legal step reflects ongoing tensions between media organizations and platforms that aggregate information, highlighting the importance of responsible reporting and representation in digital spaces.