Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 19th November 2024 - CLAT MCQ

The Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) primarily aims to facilitate the transportation of goods between India and Russia. It significantly shortens the cargo transit time, allowing for faster and more efficient maritime trade. This corridor reduces the distance and logistical costs associated with shipping, thereby improving the overall efficiency of trade activities between the two nations.

The G20 was established in response to the global financial crisis of 2008, evolving from a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors to a forum for Heads of State and Government. Unlike a legislative body, the G20 facilitates discussions and cooperation on various global issues, including economic stability and sustainable development, without creating binding agreements.

The primary aim of GRAI is to offer a comparative analysis of organizations, focusing on their grievance redressal mechanisms. It highlights strengths and areas needing improvement, helping to enhance the effectiveness of these processes. This initiative was developed based on recommendations from a parliamentary committee, showcasing the government's commitment to improving public service accountability.

The four key dimensions used in the GRAI evaluation are Efficiency, Feedback, Domain, and Organizational Commitment. "Innovation" is not included as a dimension in this assessment. This structured evaluation framework allows for a detailed analysis of how effectively grievances are managed across different government entities.

The Thai sacbrood virus poses a significant threat to honey bee populations, especially the Asiatic honey bee, as it primarily results in the mortality of bee larvae. This has serious implications for the health of bee colonies and, consequently, for pollination and honey production. A noteworthy fact is that an outbreak of this virus in South India led to the loss of approximately 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies between 1991 and 1992, showcasing its potential impact on local ecosystems.

"Pathogen spillover" refers to the event where a pathogen, which is specific to one species, successfully infects a different, susceptible host. This phenomenon can lead to significant ecological and health impacts, as seen in various diseases where wildlife pathogens infect domestic animals or humans. An interesting aspect of spillover is its potential to lead to new outbreaks, as exemplified by the transmission of zoonotic diseases like the Nipah virus.

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana aims to ensure that senior citizens have access to vital medical treatments without facing financial burdens. This pension scheme, combined with health coverage, is specifically designed to cater to the healthcare needs of those aged 70 and above, allowing them to receive essential medical services without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. An interesting fact is that the scheme not only covers hospitalization but also pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, making it comprehensive in its approach to elderly care.

The 'One Day One Genome' initiative contributes to microbial genomics by releasing fully annotated bacterial genomes isolated from India, which are made freely accessible to the public. This initiative aims to highlight India's microbial diversity and its significance in various sectors such as agriculture and health. By providing detailed graphical summaries and genome assembly information, the initiative encourages both public engagement and research in the field. An additional fact is that understanding these microbes can lead to innovations in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

The genus Koima is characterized by a distinct yellowish-brown base color with a single row of black spots along the lateral line. This unique coloration, along with hyaline fins and the absence of a uniform banding pattern on the dorsal side, differentiates it from other freshwater fish. These adaptations may help them blend into their habitat in the Western Ghats, providing protection from predators.

A significant goal of the national mission to eradicate sickle cell anaemia by 2047 is to increase awareness and screening specifically in tribal communities, which are predominantly affected by this genetic disorder. The initiative emphasizes accessible diagnosis and treatment, aiming to address this public health issue comprehensively. Interestingly, sickle cell disease can lead to serious complications but is often preventable through early diagnosis and education.