Current Affairs Quiz 24 October 2024

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.

Correct Answer: C) To detect and study gravitational waves in space by observing spacetime ripples caused by massive celestial events.

Explanation: The LISA mission, a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), is designed to detect gravitational waves directly from space. By using three spacecraft arranged in a nearly equilateral triangle, LISA will employ laser interferometry to measure the minute changes in distances between free-floating test masses within each spacecraft. This innovative setup allows LISA to detect the subtle spacetime distortions caused by gravitational waves from massive celestial events like black holes and binary star systems. The mission’s focus on gravitational waves helps to enhance our understanding of the universe’s structure and the dynamics of massive celestial objects, distinguishing it from other space missions focused on communication or planetary exploration.

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).

Correct Answer: B) The PM-YASASVI Scheme is an umbrella initiative aimed at promoting quality education among students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories by providing scholarships for pre-matric and post-matric studies.

Explanation: The PM-YASASVI Scheme, managed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, consolidates various earlier scholarship schemes into a comprehensive umbrella program aimed at promoting quality education. It supports economically challenged students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by offering scholarships for their education from Class 9 onwards. This integrated approach aims to remove financial barriers to education completion, making option B the correct answer.