Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th October 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Recently, the Indian government granted Classical Language status to Marathi, along with Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This designation is significant as it recognizes the historical and cultural importance of these languages, which have rich literary traditions and long histories. Classical languages typically have a documented heritage spanning over 1500 years and include a substantial body of ancient literature.

"Bamboo Diplomacy" refers to Vietnam's foreign policy that emphasizes flexibility and resilience in maintaining strong relations with various global powers, including China, while also engaging with countries like the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan. This approach allows Vietnam to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and reduce over-reliance on any single country, particularly in light of its economic interdependence with China. The term symbolizes Vietnam's adaptability and strategic balancing in international relations.

The pygmy hog is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which indicates it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This status highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this species, which is the smallest and rarest wild pig globally. An interesting fact about the pygmy hog is that it plays a crucial role as an indicator species, meaning its presence signifies the health of its grassland habitat, making its conservation vital for ecosystem monitoring.

Urban Development is not a key focus area of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), which primarily aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, improve soil health, and promote crop diversification and mechanization. The program is designed to support farmers directly and improve agricultural productivity. An interesting aspect of PM-RKVY is its flexibility, allowing states to redistribute funds according to their specific agricultural needs, thus promoting tailored, effective agricultural development strategies.

The International Energy Efficiency Hub was created to enhance collaboration and promote energy efficiency on a global scale. By uniting governments, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders, it facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices aimed at improving energy efficiency, which is crucial for combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. This initiative supports the transition to a low-carbon economy by focusing on innovative energy-efficient technologies and practices.

The Supreme Court of India ruled that caste-based discrimination in prisons is unconstitutional, as it violates the rights to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. The judgment specifically addressed the oppressive treatment of marginalized communities within the prison system, emphasizing that assigning labor based on caste reinforces social hierarchies and undermines the fundamental human rights of inmates. This landmark ruling highlights the need for urgent reforms in prison policies to ensure equality and justice for all inmates, regardless of their caste background. An interesting fact is that the ruling builds upon previous judicial principles that uphold the rights of vulnerable communities, marking a significant step toward eradicating systemic biases in the Indian legal system.

The primary goal of the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme is to enhance the employability of youth in India by providing them with practical experience in real-world business settings. By offering internships at top companies, the scheme aims to bridge the skills gap in the workforce, thus promoting sustainable economic growth. This initiative is crucial for developing a pool of skilled workers who are ready to meet the demands of various industries. Additionally, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience can significantly improve the job prospects of the participants.

Charon and Pluto exhibit a unique phenomenon known as mutual tidal locking, which means they always show the same faces to each other as they orbit. This occurs because Charon's rotation period matches its orbital period around Pluto, resulting in one hemisphere of Charon being permanently visible from Pluto. This characteristic not only highlights their close physical and gravitational interaction but also showcases the fascinating dynamics of celestial bodies in our solar system. Interestingly, this relationship contributes to the classification of Charon and Pluto as a double dwarf planet system, emphasizing their significant gravitational bond.

India’s energy security is a crucial interest in West Asia, as the region provides approximately 80% of India's oil imports. Disruptions in this area due to conflict could lead to significant economic consequences for India, including increased energy prices. Understanding the geopolitical dynamics of energy resources is vital for any nation with substantial energy needs, and India's dependence on West Asian oil highlights the importance of stability in this region. Additionally, West Asia's oil reserves are among the largest in the world, making these relationships critical for energy-dependent economies.

India's historical policy of non-alignment allows it to engage with multiple nations without being perceived as biased toward any single country. This stance enhances India's credibility as a neutral mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict, as it can facilitate dialogue and diplomacy without the baggage of partisanship. India's ability to maintain strong relationships with both Israel and Iran positions it uniquely to assist in negotiations and conflict resolution. The non-aligned approach is a reflection of India's broader foreign policy strategy, aiming for peaceful coexistence and cooperation across diverse international actors.