Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 2026-01-08 with solutions - Bank Exams Attempt

The Suryastra Rocket Launcher System is primarily designed to launch precision strikes on surface targets. It is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously at ranges of 150 and 300 kilometers, showcasing India's advancements in long-range artillery capabilities. A significant feature of this system is its high degree of accuracy, with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than five meters, which is crucial in modern warfare for minimizing collateral damage.

The Madras High Court ruled in favor of allowing the ritual lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp at Thiruparankundram. The court dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's concerns about potential communal unrest as unfounded, indicating the court's support for the continuation of religious practices while imposing restrictions to ensure public safety. This case highlights the tension between religious sentiments and governmental authority.

The conservation efforts along the Mangaluru coastline for Olive Ridley sea turtles include the establishment of hatcheries. This initiative aims to protect these vulnerable creatures during their nesting season, ensuring higher survival rates for the eggs and hatchlings. Olive Ridley turtles are known for their unique mass nesting behavior, and protecting their nesting sites is crucial for their continued existence.

The projected real GDP growth rate for India in the fiscal year 2025-26 is 7.4%. This increase reflects a recovery in manufacturing and resilient services, despite external challenges such as tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods. Understanding GDP growth projections is essential for policymakers as they plan for future economic strategies and fiscal budgets.

The Somnath Temple is historically significant as it is recognized as the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its prominence in religious texts and its historical reconstructions after various destructions reflect its cultural resilience and importance in Indian heritage. The temple symbolizes both spiritual devotion and national identity.

A major challenge in combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India is the surveillance challenges in non-urban areas. Current AMR surveillance predominantly focuses on urban and tertiary care settings, leaving community-level resistance patterns underreported. Expanding surveillance to include rural and private healthcare is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of AMR and effectively managing it.

NATGRID enhances counter-terrorism efforts through data integration by providing a centralized data infrastructure that allows security agencies to aggregate and analyze information from various governmental databases. Established in response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, NATGRID's evolution into broader surveillance raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties, prompting ongoing discussions about governance and oversight.

Biomaterials are classified into three main types: drop-in biomaterials, which are chemically identical to petroleum-based materials; drop-out biomaterials, which differ chemically and require new processing systems; and novel biomaterials, which exhibit entirely new properties. This classification is significant as it reflects the diverse applications and environmental considerations in the development of sustainable materials.

A key factor influencing the surge in silver prices in 2025 was geopolitical factors combined with significant supply constraints. Silver's demand across various sectors, especially in technology and renewable energy (like batteries and solar panels), coupled with supply issues (as it is often mined as a byproduct), led to a dramatic price increase. This situation was exacerbated by expectations of tariffs and stockpiling behavior among investors.

The objective of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is to democratize and decentralize e-commerce in India by allowing direct selling from sellers to customers without intermediaries. This model aims to create a more level playing field for small and medium enterprises while enhancing consumer choices. Initiatives like ONDC represent a shift towards more open and competitive digital marketplaces, similar to the impact of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in digital payments.