Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 18th August 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The NMEO-OP aims to expand the cultivation of oil palm in India to reduce reliance on palm oil imports. The initiative sets ambitious targets, including increasing the cultivation area and production of palm oil by specific deadlines, thereby enhancing domestic production and decreasing the significant dependency on imports.

'Phoenix roxburghii' is notable for its height, growing up to 12-16 meters, making it taller than the closely related 'Phoenix sylvestris'. This characteristic adds to its significance in biodiversity and conservation discussions, reflecting the variety found within palm species.

Studies have indicated that chemicals found in plastics, including bisphenols and phthalates, are associated with health issues such as thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, and certain cancers. The presence of microplastics in human biological samples raises concerns about their potential long-term health impacts, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive policy responses to plastic pollution.

The SWAYAM Portal offers free AI courses to students, thereby addressing the growing demand for AI skills in various industries. This initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to quality educational resources, fostering lifelong learning and adaptability.

India’s sovereign rating was upgraded from BBB- to BBB by S&P Global Ratings, marking the first upgrade in nearly two decades. This reflects improved economic fundamentals and is expected to lower borrowing costs, enhance access to global capital markets, and boost investor confidence in India's economic stability.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94%, depending on the feedstock and production technology used. SAF is designed as a "drop-in fuel," meaning it can be blended with existing jet fuel without requiring changes to aircraft, making it a practical option for reducing aviation's environmental footprint.

The Chalk9 gene has been identified as a key regulator of chalkiness in rice. Its variants influence starch accumulation, thus affecting grain quality and commercial value. Understanding this gene can directly impact rice breeding programs, aiming to produce high-quality, low-chalk rice, enhancing food security and farmer income.

The unexpected issue involving jellyfish that led to the temporary shutdown of the nuclear power plant highlights the ecological challenges posed by jellyfish blooms. These blooms can disrupt marine ecosystems and impact human activities, illustrating the complex interactions within marine environments and the influence of changing conditions like global warming.

Addressing both production and health impacts in plastic pollution negotiations is vital for creating a comprehensive treaty that effectively mitigates health risks. By recognizing the links between plastic exposure and health issues, policymakers can develop strategies to reduce production and manage waste more effectively, leading to better public health outcomes.

The Bering Strait serves as a geographical and political landmark illustrating cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, particularly through adherence to shipping guidelines established in 2018. Despite challenging political relations, this cooperation signifies a mutual interest in managing maritime activities responsibly, highlighting the complexity of international relations in the region.