Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 2nd January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is designed to provide financial protection to farmers in the event of crop loss due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to stabilize farmers' income, encouraging them to adopt modern agricultural practices and reducing their risk exposure. A notable aspect of PMFBY is its low premium rates, which help make crop insurance more accessible to a larger number of farmers.

The Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) is specifically designed to protect farmers against financial losses caused by adverse weather conditions, such as excessive rainfall or extreme temperatures. Unlike some other schemes, RWBCIS focuses on the impact of weather rather than pests or diseases. It offers a critical safety net for farmers, particularly as climate variability becomes more pronounced.

The primary reason for the significant drop in student enrollment was the changes in data collection methods introduced in the 2022-23 academic year. Schools were required to provide detailed, student-specific information rather than simple aggregate numbers, which led to a more accurate reflection of actual enrollment figures. This shift aims to enhance the reliability of educational data and may influence future educational policies and strategies.

The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline is highlighted as a major route for Russian gas exports to Europe. This historic pipeline transports gas from Siberia through Ukraine to various European countries. Its significance has increased in discussions around energy security, especially as Russian gas supplies have declined and the EU has sought to diversify its energy sources in response to geopolitical tensions.

The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) is primarily tasked with monitoring and regulating groundwater resources in India. This includes activities such as conducting groundwater explorations, mapping aquifers, and ensuring sustainable groundwater management. The CGWB plays a crucial role in addressing groundwater quality issues and promoting conservation efforts, particularly as concerns about groundwater contamination, such as excessive nitrates, have risen in recent years.

INS Nilgiri is the first of the seven multi-role frigates being constructed under Project-17A. It represents a significant advancement in India's naval capabilities, incorporating advanced weaponry and stealth technology. This frigate is designed to operate independently and can serve as the flagship of a naval task force, thereby enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Navy.

Belly Landing is primarily utilized as an emergency technique when an aircraft is unable to extend its landing gear, making it necessary for the pilot to land the aircraft on its fuselage. This type of landing is a last resort, typically employed in cases of mechanical failure. While it can lead to significant damage to the aircraft, it is crucial for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. An interesting fact is that belly landings can also occur in situations where pilots deem it safer to land in a non-conventional area, such as a field or during ditching.

Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) is a widely used fertilizer that supplies essential nutrients, specifically nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which are crucial for plant growth and development. Nitrogen aids in the growth of leaves and stems, while phosphorus is vital for root establishment and maturation of plants. DAP's solubility in soil allows for quick release of these nutrients, making it highly effective in agricultural practices. Interestingly, DAP is the second most commonly used fertilizer in India, following urea, highlighting its significance in supporting agricultural productivity.

The PMFBY and RWBCIS have embraced technological advancements, using smartphones for data capture and remote sensing technologies to enhance yield estimation accuracy and expedite the claims process. This integration of technology not only improves the efficiency of crop insurance management but also helps farmers receive timely assistance in case of crop failures, thereby reinforcing agricultural sustainability. The use of modern technology in agriculture is becoming increasingly vital as it allows for better data-driven decisions and improved resource management.

The key objectives of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) are to enhance security along India's extensive coastline and offshore islands. This initiative aims to prevent unauthorized entries, smuggling, and infiltration, thereby safeguarding national security. The scheme includes various phases focusing on infrastructure development, marine patrolling, and training for personnel to effectively monitor and secure maritime boundaries. An interesting fact is that the CSS has evolved through multiple phases, with each aiming to address specific challenges faced in coastal security.