Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 21st September 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The Import Management System (IMS) is designed to streamline the importation process while ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining the quality of imported products. Its objectives include protecting domestic industries from negative impacts of imports, ensuring public health and safety, and improving the ease of doing business. The IMS reflects an effort to balance regulation with the need for a transparent and efficient import process, which is essential for supporting local economies and industries.

White Revolution 2.0 aims to increase the milk procurement capacity of dairy cooperatives from 660 lakh kg per day in 2023-24 to 1,007 lakh kg by 2028-29. This initiative seeks to empower dairy farmers and expand the cooperative network into underserved regions. An interesting aspect of this revolution is its potential to create job opportunities and enhance the role of women in the dairy sector, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods.

The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting its first observations. This accomplishment indicates that the construction and technological developments are on track, allowing scientists to start utilizing the world's largest radio telescope for astronomical research. The SKA aims to enhance our understanding of the universe, including studies on galaxies and the search for extraterrestrial life. Notably, the SKA will significantly contribute to advancements in radio astronomy and astrophysics.

The pest-control pheromone dispenser is designed to emit synthetic pheromones that mimic the natural signals of insects. By doing so, it attracts pests to traps or interferes with their mating cycles, effectively preventing infestations. This method is environmentally friendly and reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Interestingly, such technologies are part of a broader trend toward integrated pest management, which emphasizes ecological balance in farming.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) should include all sources of revenue earned by telecom companies, which means it encompasses not only income from core telecom services but also revenue from non-telecom activities like interest and dividends. This ruling significantly increased the financial liabilities of telecom operators, leading to massive dues and prompting discussions about the sustainability of their business models. An interesting fact is that this ruling has had far-reaching effects on the telecom industry, resulting in considerable market consolidation.

The Bio-RIDE scheme aims to promote bio-entrepreneurship and bio-manufacturing, thereby fostering innovation in the biotechnology sector. This initiative merges research and development with industrial and entrepreneurial development, focusing on bridging gaps in research and product development. An interesting fact is that the scheme sets a total outlay of ₹9,197 crore for the period from 2021 to 2026, highlighting the government's commitment to advancing biotechnology in India.

Article 124 of the Indian Constitution outlines the framework for appointing Supreme Court judges. It specifies that judges are appointed by the President of India after consulting with the Chief Justice of India and other necessary judges. This article is significant as it establishes the judicial appointment process while also highlighting the role of consultation, which has led to the evolution of the Collegium system aiming to protect the independence of the judiciary from political influence.

The Bombay High Court expressed concerns that the FCU could lead to censorship and violation of free speech rights. The court emphasized that the government acting as the sole judge of truth posed significant risks to freedom of expression. The ruling highlighted the need for citizens to access accurate information to participate fully in democracy. A notable fact is that the court found the vague definitions of "fake news" to be problematic, as they could infringe upon fundamental rights.

The Collegium system, which is responsible for recommending judicial appointments, faces criticism for being opaque and lacking transparency. Critics argue that the process does not adequately inform the public or other stakeholders about how decisions are made, which can undermine trust in the judiciary. Despite this, many advocates for the system maintain that it is essential for preserving judicial independence by keeping appointment powers within the judiciary rather than the executive. An additional point of interest is that the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive regarding this system highlights the delicate balance of power in India's constitutional framework.

The Naga King Chilli, known for its extreme spiciness, plays a crucial role in Nagaland's agriculture by aiding in food preservation, which is essential in the region's hot and humid climate. Additionally, it provides significant economic value to local farmers, with a considerable annual harvest contributing to the local economy. This chilli not only enhances the culinary landscape but also supports sustainable farming practices. Interestingly, its reputation as one of the hottest chillies globally has garnered international attention, further boosting its market value.