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

Approximately 47% of gig work in India is estimated to involve medium-skilled jobs, highlighting the significant portion of the workforce engaged in roles that require a certain level of skill. This statistic underlines the importance of addressing the needs and challenges faced by medium-skilled gig workers, especially as their numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Bigbasket was the only platform that earned a point under the Fair Pay assessment for ensuring that its workers receive a minimum wage that meets or exceeds the local minimum wage, after accounting for work-related expenses. This demonstrates the critical role that fair compensation plays in the gig economy and highlights the need for other platforms to adopt similar practices to improve the working conditions for gig workers.

The ‘Humsafar Policy’ aims to enhance travel convenience and support the development of wayside amenities along National Highways. This includes the provision of various facilities such as food courts, fuel stations, and clean restrooms, ultimately improving the overall experience of travelers. By focusing on user comfort and safety, the policy seeks to make road travel more enjoyable and efficient for everyone. It’s also worth noting that the policy incorporates eco-friendly practices, indicating a commitment to sustainability in travel infrastructure.

The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve offers an exceptional environment for amateur astronomers due to its high altitude, minimal light pollution, and dry climate. These conditions ensure clear skies and enhance visibility for observing faint celestial objects, making it a prime location for stargazing and astrophotography. Events like the Star Party encourage enthusiasts to gather, share experiences, and capture stunning images of celestial phenomena. The reserve is a significant site for both amateur and professional astronomers, promoting a deeper appreciation of the night sky.

The primary goal of the CCPA is to safeguard consumer rights by addressing unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements that can adversely affect public and consumer interests. By enforcing these protections, the CCPA ensures that consumers are not misled and can exercise their rights without facing unfair practices. An interesting fact is that the CCPA can initiate class action suits, which means it can represent groups of consumers affected by the same issue, highlighting its commitment to collective consumer protection.

Trachoma is primarily spread through direct contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose, or throat secretions of infected individuals. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness, making it a significant public health concern. This disease is classified as a neglected tropical disease, affecting millions worldwide. An additional fact is that the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement) to effectively combat Trachoma and reduce its incidence globally.

The primary objective of Exercise Malabar is to bolster cooperation and enhance security in the Indo-Pacific region. This annual naval exercise, which has evolved to include multiple nations, focuses on improving operational capabilities and fostering collaboration among participating navies. The inclusion of various nations reflects a strategic approach to address maritime security challenges in this vital region. An interesting fact is that the exercise has grown from a bilateral format between India and the US to a quadrilateral format that includes Japan and Australia, demonstrating the increasing importance of multilateral partnerships in regional security.

MeitY lowered the annual turnover requirements for primary bidders from Rs 100 crore to Rs 50 crore, which significantly opens up opportunities for smaller companies to participate in the AI Mission. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for startups and smaller firms, enabling them to contribute to the development of AI solutions. By reducing barriers to entry, the mission aspires to foster innovation and support the growth of the AI landscape in India. An additional fact is that the focus on local sourcing aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative, emphasizing the importance of promoting domestic manufacturing and services in technology sectors.

The USCIRF's primary role is to monitor the universal right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in various countries outside the United States. It assesses religious freedom violations based on international human rights standards, particularly focusing on Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This monitoring helps inform U.S. policy decisions regarding countries that may need intervention or designation based on their treatment of religious freedoms.

The year 2023 was noted for experiencing record high temperatures, which led to prolonged drought conditions across various regions, resulting in diminished river flows. The combination of climate change, including erratic hydrological cycles and a significant shift in climate patterns, exacerbated water shortages globally. This situation highlights the pressing need for improved water resource management as climate impacts continue to grow. Interestingly, as the world continues to warm, studies project that billions more people may face water scarcity by 2050, underscoring the urgency of addressing these environmental challenges.