Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 20th October 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a nature-based technique that accelerates the natural weathering process of rocks to extract CO2 from the atmosphere. By spreading finely crushed silicate rocks over land, the chemical reactions between the rocks, air, and water are enhanced, leading to the formation of bicarbonates that can sequester carbon for long periods. This technique not only helps mitigate climate change but also improves soil health and fertility, showcasing a dual benefit for the environment.

The Kameng River, a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra River, is referred to as Jia Bharali in its higher reaches in Assam. This river originates in the eastern Himalayan Mountains and flows through various regions, serving as a natural boundary and supporting diverse ecosystems. Understanding local names for rivers can enhance awareness of cultural and geographical significance in different regions.

Epic Games initiated legal action against Google primarily to evade Google's in-app billing system. The company launched a direct payment system for Fortnite that bypassed Google's required in-app billing process, with the intent to avoid the 15-30% commission fees imposed by Google on in-app purchases. This action was part of a larger strategy to challenge what they perceived as anti-competitive practices in the app market.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resources. Promoting genetic modification is not one of its objectives, as the CBD aims to protect and conserve natural ecosystems and their biodiversity rather than support genetic alterations.

The primary purpose of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence's focus on non-kinetic warfare is to evaluate India's preparedness to counter hybrid warfare, which involves both military and non-military tactics. This reflects an understanding that modern conflicts often utilize a combination of methods, including cyberattacks and psychological operations, making it essential for India to adapt its defense strategies accordingly. Non-kinetic warfare is crucial as it can disrupt an adversary's capabilities without direct military confrontation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies in national defense.

The Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve is characterized by both Vindhyan and Aravalli geographical elements, which contribute to its varied topography. This includes gentle slopes, steep rocky cliffs, and flat hills, creating a diverse habitat that supports a range of flora and fauna. The unique combination of these geological features makes the reserve an important ecological zone, particularly for species like the tiger and other wildlife that thrive in such environments.

Kala-azar, also known as Visceral Leishmaniasis, is primarily caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani. This parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sandflies. Understanding the causative agent is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. An interesting fact is that Kala-azar mainly affects impoverished populations, highlighting the intersection of health and social determinants.

Marine heat waves can lead to the displacement of marine species, disrupting established food webs. These prolonged periods of elevated ocean temperatures can have severe consequences for marine ecosystems, including harm to coral reefs and the proliferation of invasive species. This disruption can alter the balance of marine life and impact fisheries and coastal communities. Interestingly, MHWs are becoming more frequent due to global warming, underscoring the urgent need to address climate change.

One of the major challenges facing enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is the requirement for extensive land areas and collaborative efforts among multiple farms or coastal regions to achieve meaningful carbon removal. This need stems from the scale at which ERW must be applied to make a significant impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, the logistics of mining, grinding, and transporting the rock can consume considerable energy, which raises concerns about the overall carbon footprint of the process. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective climate policies and solutions.

The significant difference noted between the court rulings in the cases against Google and Apple is that Google was found to have exclusive agreements that restricted competition, leading to a unanimous jury ruling that confirmed its violation of antitrust laws. In contrast, the court concluded that while Apple enforced anti-competitive policies, it was not classified as a monopoly in the app market. This distinction highlights the varying interpretations of market dominance and competitive practices in the tech industry.