Test: Weekly Current Affairs: October 15th to 21st - CLAT MCQ

The THAAD missile system is specifically designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy missiles during the last part of their flight. This capability is crucial for missile defense, as it helps protect against potential threats before they can impact their targets. An interesting fact about THAAD is that it utilizes a "hit-to-kill" technology, which means it destroys the incoming missile through direct impact, rather than relying on explosives.

The deployment of THAAD to Israel aims to bolster the country's defense against missile threats, especially from Iran, amid increasing regional tensions. This strategic move serves not only to protect Israel but also to signal U.S. commitment to maintaining stability in the region. An additional insight is that such military support often acts as a deterrent against potential aggressors by showcasing the capabilities and readiness of allied forces.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is designed primarily to manage air quality and reduce pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions. It provides a structured approach to tackle air pollution by implementing specific measures at different levels of air quality, thereby ensuring public health is protected, especially during periods of poor air quality.

Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls between 201 and 300, which is categorized as 'poor.' This stage focuses on implementing immediate actions to mitigate pollution, including stricter dust control measures and traffic management, in order to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

The iGOT Lab's main objective is to support continuous professional development by offering online training courses. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of Ministry employees, making them more effective in their roles. Online learning provides flexibility and accessibility, allowing employees to engage in professional development at their convenience. An interesting fact is that digital learning platforms are becoming increasingly popular in government sectors worldwide, as they help to modernize skill development and improve service delivery.

The Ministry encourages participation in the iGOT Lab by recognizing and rewarding employees who complete the most courses each quarter. This approach creates a culture of learning and motivation among staff, prompting them to continuously improve their skills. Recognition can be a powerful motivator, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment where employees strive to enhance their professional capabilities. It's noteworthy that recognition programs are widely used in organizations to boost employee engagement and satisfaction.

Pakistan is set to host the SCO Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. This summit will bring together leaders from various member states, including China, Russia, Iran, and India, to discuss crucial regional issues such as security and economic cooperation. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) aims to enhance collaboration among its members in areas of politics, economy, and security, making this summit a significant event for the region.

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will represent India at the 2024 SCO Summit. His participation is vital, especially in light of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as with China, regarding border disputes. Jaishankar's role will likely focus on addressing these complex relationships while promoting India's stance on regional security and cooperation.

Kaziranga National Park is significant for its butterfly diversity, being recognized as India’s second-largest hub with an impressive 446 butterfly species. This highlights the park's ecological richness and its importance in conservation efforts for various species. Interestingly, the park’s butterfly diversity is notable especially since it lies outside the typically species-rich Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges, showcasing how diverse ecosystems can thrive in different geographical locations.

Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi has been studying the butterfly species in Kaziranga National Park since 2007 and played a key role in organizing the first-ever ‘Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024’. This event brought together butterfly enthusiasts and experts to discuss conservation strategies, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed to protect and understand the rich biodiversity of the area.

The primary concern about the use of forage fish, such as anchovies and sardines, in aquaculture is that it significantly decreases the availability of affordable fish for local communities. These small fish are often redirected from direct human consumption to fishmeal and fish oil production, which is primarily used to feed farmed fish like salmon. This shift creates challenges for coastal communities that depend on these fish for their diets and livelihoods, leading to a scarcity of affordable protein sources.

The Fish-in-Fish-out (FIFO) ratio is a crucial metric in aquaculture that measures the amount of wild fish needed to produce a certain quantity of farmed fish. This ratio is particularly important when assessing the environmental impact of fish farming, especially for carnivorous species like salmon that require substantial fishmeal and fish oil in their diets. Understanding the FIFO ratio helps highlight the reliance of aquaculture on wild fish stocks, which can affect the sustainability of both industries.

The primary focus of the 16th BRICS Summit is to strengthen cooperation among member countries, specifically in the areas of global development and security. This reflects the BRICS nations' commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at addressing shared challenges and enhancing their influence in the global arena. An interesting fact is that BRICS countries represent a significant portion of the world’s population and economy, making their cooperation critical for global stability.

This year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined the BRICS group. The inclusion of these countries signifies an expansion of the BRICS coalition, which aims to enhance collaboration among emerging economies. This expansion can help diversify the group's perspectives and strengthen its influence in international affairs. Notably, BRICS now encompasses nations from different continents, showcasing its global reach.

Abhyuday Jindal has taken over as the new President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Ameya Prabhu. This leadership change is significant as it signifies a shift in business leadership in India, reflecting the evolving landscape of commerce and industry in the country. Notably, the ICC has been influential since its establishment in 1925, representing the interests of various industries and facilitating dialogue with the government.

One of Abhyuday Jindal's primary goals is to promote sustainable business practices. This approach emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental and social considerations into business strategies, aiming for a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation. This reflects a growing trend in global business towards sustainability, recognizing the long-term benefits of responsible practices.

The name "Dana" translates to "a beautiful, precious pearl" in Arabic. This naming reflects cultural significance and is part of a systematic naming process for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, aimed at providing clear communication during weather events. Notably, names can influence public perception and response to cyclones, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in disaster management.

Japan is not listed as a member country in the World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) cyclone naming process for the North Indian Ocean. The WMO involves several countries, including Qatar and Sri Lanka, which participate by proposing names for cyclones. This collaborative approach helps standardize naming conventions and improve response efforts across the region.

Chief Minister Naidu raised concerns about the declining fertility rate in Andhra Pradesh, which has dropped to 1.5, below the national average of 2.1. This decline poses significant challenges for the state's future demographic balance, particularly with an increasing proportion of elderly residents. A declining fertility rate can lead to an ageing population, which has implications for economic stability and social services.

Naidu proposed legislation that would permit only individuals with two or more children to contest local body elections. This change aims to encourage families to have more children, addressing the concerns of an ageing population and declining birth rates. By linking electoral eligibility to family size, the government hopes to stimulate population growth and ensure a more balanced demographic structure.

The primary objective of the SPADEX mission is to demonstrate the ability of two satellites to dock in space. This capability is crucial for future missions that may involve complex operations like assembling components in orbit or ensuring safe transfers of crew and cargo between spacecraft and space stations. Successfully docking satellites is a significant technological advancement that will enable more ambitious future space exploration efforts.

Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL) was instrumental in the assembly, integration, and testing of the two satellites for the SPADEX mission. This collaboration marks a significant moment in India's space sector as it is the first time ISRO has relied on a private company for the full assembly of satellites. ATL has been a long-term partner of ISRO, contributing to various missions, highlighting the increasing role of private enterprises in India's space exploration.

The EPFO reported a net addition of 18.53 lakh new members in August 2024, reflecting a 9.07% increase compared to August 2023. This statistic highlights the growth in employment opportunities and awareness of employee benefits, contributing to a more robust labor market.

Workers aged 18 to 25 years accounted for 59.26% of the new members in August 2024. This trend indicates that the majority of individuals entering the organized workforce are young, particularly first-time job seekers, emphasizing the role of youth in the current job market.

Iran views the deployment of the THAAD system as a direct threat to its security interests, intensifying its concerns about U.S. military presence in the region. This reaction reflects the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as Iran's apprehensive stance towards increased U.S. involvement. An interesting fact is that military deployments like THAAD can exacerbate regional tensions, leading countries to bolster their defenses or seek more advanced military technologies in response.