Current Affairs Quiz 13 December 2023

Answer: C

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors designed to have a smaller power capacity compared to traditional nuclear power reactors. Here are the key characteristics, advantages, safety features, and disadvantages of SMRs:

Characteristics:

• Small: SMRs have a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of conventional nuclear reactors.
• Modular: SMRs are designed to be modular and portable. Components can be factory-assembled and transported as units to installation sites.
• Reactors: SMRs use nuclear fission to generate heat for electricity production.

Advantages:

• Efficiency: SMRs are designed for high capacity factors (exceeding 90%) and can produce a significant amount of low-carbon electricity.
• Hybrid Energy Systems: SMRs can complement renewable energy sources by providing consistent power, enhancing overall system efficiency.
• Off-Site Manufacturing: Factory assembly of components saves construction time and reduces costs.
• Lower Costs: SMRs are designed for cost-effectiveness, requiring less fuel and fewer staff for assembly, maintenance, and operation.
• Flexibility: SMRs can adjust electricity generation based on demand, making them suitable for remote locations.
• Site Repurposing: SMRs can be installed in existing thermal power plant sites by repurposing infrastructure.

Safety Features:

• Reduced Risk: SMRs are designed with lower core damage frequency and radioactive contamination compared to conventional nuclear power plants (NPPs).
• Enhanced Seismic Isolation: SMRs incorporate advanced seismic isolation techniques for improved safety during earthquakes.
• Passive Safety: SMRs feature passive safety systems, minimizing the potential release of radioactive materials.

Answer: A

About Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)

• Under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 100% guarantee coverage to be provided by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for additional funding of up to Rs. 3 lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested MUDRA borrowers.
• The credit will be provided in the form of a Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line (GECL) facility.
• Tenor of the loan under Scheme shall be four years with a moratorium period of one year on the principal amount.
• No Guarantee Fee shall be charged by NCGTC from the Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) under the Scheme.
• Interest rates under the Scheme shall be capped at 9.25% for banks and FIs, and at 14% for NBFCs.

Answer: C

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

• The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1995 by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India.
• It aims to provide financial assistance to individuals below the poverty line (BPL) who belong to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and bereaved families.
• The scheme provides social pensions to help fulfill the Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution, particularly Article 41, which calls for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, disability, etc., within the country’s economic capacity and development.

Answer: A

About DigiSaksham:

• It is a digital skills programme to enhance the employability of youth by imparting digital skills that are required in an increasingly technology driven era.
• This joint initiative with Microsoft India is an extension of the Government’s ongoing programs to support the youth from rural and semi-urban areas.
• Through DigiSaksham initiative, free of cost training in digital skills including basic skills as well as advance computing, will be provided to more than 3 lakh youths in the first year.
• The Jobseekers can access the training through National Career Service (NCS) Portal (www.ncs.gov.in).
• The initiative gives priority to the job-seekers of semi urban areas belonging to disadvantaged communities, including those who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 pandemic.
• Under the DigiSaksham initiative, there will be basically three types of training viz. Digital Skills – Self paced learning, VILT mode training (Virtual Instructor led) and ILT mode training (Instructor led).
• The ILT training which is in person training would be conducted at the Model Career Centres (MCCs) and National Career Service Centres (NCSC) for SCs/STs across the country.
• Through this initiative, nearly one crore active jobseekers registered on National Career Service (NCS) Portal will be able to access training in areas like Java Script, Data Visualisation, Advance Excel, Power Bi, HTML, Programming languages, software development fundamentals, Introduction to coding , etc, equipping them with the skills required in a digital economy. DigiSaksham will be implemented in the field by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP-I).

Answer: C

Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is the collective term for central police organizations in India operating under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• These forces are responsible for maintaining internal security, guarding borders, and other critical tasks within the country.

Evolution of Terminology:

• Formerly known as “Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF),” the term “Central Armed Police Forces” was adopted in 2011 to better reflect their roles and responsibilities.
• This change aimed to emphasize their paramilitary nature and the vital role they play in ensuring national security.

Responsibilities:

• CAPF is entrusted with a range of duties, including maintaining law and order, counterinsurgency operations, disaster response, and guarding sensitive installations.
• They serve as a crucial component of India’s security infrastructure.