Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 7th January 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The term "artesian condition" refers to a geological scenario where water is confined under pressure between impermeable layers, which can cause it to rise to the surface when a well is drilled. This phenomenon can lead to spectacular water eruptions, as observed in certain regions. An interesting fact about artesian aquifers is that they can provide a natural source of water without the need for pumping, making them a vital resource in arid regions where groundwater is scarce.

The Alaknanda River is significant as it serves as one of the main headstreams of the Ganges River, working alongside the Bhagirathi River to form the Ganges. This positioning highlights the importance of the Alaknanda in contributing to one of the most sacred and significant rivers in India. Additionally, the river is known for its religious importance, as it flows past several important pilgrimage sites, making it a vital component of the Char Dham Yatra.

The phenomenon observed in Taranagar, Rajasthan, is known as an artesian condition. This occurs when water is trapped under pressure between impermeable layers of rock, causing it to naturally rise to the surface when a well is drilled. The water that surged during this event was ancient and not associated with any mythological river. Artesian wells are distinct from regular wells, as they can flow freely due to the natural pressure, which can be significantly deeper than conventional water sources. An interesting fact about artesian systems is that they can be found in various desert regions around the world, demonstrating the remarkable ability of geological formations to store and release water under pressure.

The nanopore-based diagnostic tool offers a significant advantage by being able to detect infections within 24 to 48 hours, which is much faster than traditional diagnostic methods. This rapid detection is crucial for timely medical intervention, particularly in the case of fast-spreading diseases. The technology achieves this by analyzing signals from individual molecules, thus eliminating the need for large samples and allowing for ultra-sensitive detection. This capability can potentially revolutionize both home testing and clinic-based diagnostics, providing faster diagnoses that can lead to better patient outcomes.

Banks that join the NZBA commit to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050. This means they will strategically adjust their financial activities to ensure that they do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, thus playing a crucial role in combating climate change. An interesting fact is that by setting this long-term target, banks aim to influence the companies they finance, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable practices. This approach is critical as financial institutions are powerful players in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The primary goal of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) is to align the financial activities of banks with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambitious initiative aims to address climate change by ensuring that financial institutions commit to sustainable practices, particularly in their lending and investment portfolios. By setting interim targets and focusing on the most carbon-intensive sectors, banks are encouraged to take actionable steps toward reducing their carbon footprint. An interesting additional fact is that as of the latest updates, despite some prominent banks withdrawing from the alliance, the NZBA still comprises 142 members from 44 countries, highlighting its significant influence in global banking practices.

The primary goal of the PLI Scheme 1.1 is to bolster domestic steel production in India. This initiative aims to attract capital investments that will enhance manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on steel imports. By focusing on domestic production, the scheme addresses economic sustainability and seeks to strengthen the country's industrial base. An interesting fact is that the PLI scheme was initially introduced to support various sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the government's effort to stimulate economic recovery through enhanced manufacturing capabilities.

Haridwar is not one of the five major confluences in the Panch Prayag. The five confluences are Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. Each of these locations marks the meeting point of the Alaknanda River with another significant river, with Devprayag being particularly notable for marking the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, which together form the Ganges. This sacred geography plays a vital role in Hindu pilgrimage, especially in the Char Dham Yatra.

Nanotechnology plays a significant role in enabling targeted drug delivery, which is a method that allows for the precise delivery of medication to specific cells or tissues, minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic effects. This technology enhances the efficacy of treatments, particularly in conditions like cancer, where targeting tumor cells can significantly improve outcomes. Additionally, nanotechnology is being explored for its potential in gene therapy, showcasing its broad impact on modern medicine. An interesting fact is that nanoparticles can be designed to deliver genetic material directly into cells, opening new avenues for treating genetic disorders.

The UJALA scheme is celebrated for being the world's largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting initiative. Launched on January 5, 2015, it has successfully facilitated the widespread adoption of energy-efficient LED appliances in households across India. This initiative has not only made lighting more affordable but has also significantly transformed the energy landscape by promoting sustainable practices. An interesting fact is that the initiative has resulted in over 407 crore LED bulbs being sold, leading to substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions, thus supporting India's climate goals.