Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 12th October 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council, as outlined in the UN Charter, is to maintain international peace and security. This includes establishing UN peacekeeping operations to address conflicts and stabilize situations, especially in regions affected by warfare or unrest. Peacekeeping missions are a crucial part of the Council's efforts to prevent conflicts from escalating and to promote lasting peace.

PM Modi emphasized the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region as a foundation for achieving peace and progress. This approach advocates for adherence to international laws and norms, fostering cooperation among nations rather than competition or territorial disputes. Such a framework is vital for ensuring stability and collaboration in a region marked by diverse interests and complex geopolitical dynamics.

The WTO reduced its forecast for global merchandise trade growth for 2025 from 3.3% to 3%. This adjustment reflects concerns about escalating conflicts in West Asia, which are impacting crucial shipping routes and global trade dynamics. A notable aspect of this revision is that global trade growth is also projected to be 2.7% in 2024, indicating a cautious outlook on international trade amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Interestingly, the WTO's forecasts emphasize the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and their broader economic implications.

India is noted as an emerging significant exporter in the global trade landscape, particularly highlighted by the WTO. The country has shown robust export growth, positioning itself as a crucial player alongside Vietnam. This growth is primarily attributed to India's expanding manufacturing capabilities and its strategic role in connecting various economies within Asia. This trend underscores the shifting dynamics in global trade, where nations like India are increasingly becoming integral to international supply chains.

"The Vegetarian" delves into the implications of societal control, the struggle for personal independence, and the violent reactions that can arise from a desire to resist societal norms. The protagonist's choice to stop consuming meat becomes a catalyst for conflict within her family, highlighting themes of autonomy and the often harsh consequences of defying expectations. This novel not only addresses personal choices but also critiques broader societal pressures.

Recent studies indicate that vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula has expanded significantly, increasing fourteen times from 1986 to 2021. This change, driven by rising temperatures due to climate change, has transformed the landscape, primarily through the growth of mosses and lichens. Such ecological shifts have implications for biodiversity and the local environment, as increased vegetation can disrupt existing ecosystems.

The rising cancer rates in Central Europe and affluent Asian nations are largely attributed to the growth of their manufacturing sectors. As manufacturing expands, the exposure to various carcinogens like asbestos, benzene, and silica increases, leading to higher incidences of occupational cancers. Interestingly, this trend reflects a broader global pattern where industrial growth often outpaces the implementation of effective occupational health regulations.

Asbestos is primarily associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma and is recognized as the leading cause of occupational cancer fatalities. Its use in various industries has been restricted in many countries due to its health risks, yet it still poses a significant threat in workplaces where its presence is not adequately controlled. An interesting fact is that mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer, is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure, making it a critical area for occupational safety measures.

One significant impact of International NGOs (INGOs) in regions like Africa has been the displacement of indigenous communities, such as the Maasai in Tanzania and Kenya. Although these INGOs often frame their initiatives as conservation efforts, the implementation of these projects has frequently overlooked local rights and livelihoods, resulting in social and economic harm to the affected communities. This outcome underscores the necessity for INGOs to engage more thoughtfully with local populations to ensure that their interventions do not inadvertently cause harm.

The key theme of the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) is "How gender justice can advance climate resilience and zero hunger." This theme reflects the understanding that addressing gender disparities is crucial in combating hunger and improving food security, especially in the context of climate change. Women often face greater challenges in accessing resources and are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. This theme emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts that not only tackle hunger but also promote gender equality, illustrating the complex interplay between social justice and environmental sustainability.