UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 9 October 2024

Solution: c)

The Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework aims to promote passively managed mutual fund schemes, which typically involve lower risk and cost than actively managed funds. This initiative seeks to attract new players into the mutual fund industry by easing entry barriers, offering diversified and less risky investment options, and enhancing market liquidity. SEBI’s intent is to make the mutual fund sector more inclusive and efficient, with a particular focus on retail investors.

Solution: c)

ISRO is expanding its space capabilities with the establishment of a third launch pad at Sriharikota, primarily aimed at supporting new technologies like the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This launch pad will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of launches, particularly those involving heavier payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), while also ensuring backup for critical GSLV missions.

Solution: d)

The discovery of microRNA by Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun has had profound implications for understanding diseases like cancer and diabetes. MicroRNA plays a vital role in regulating protein production in cells, and disruptions in this process can contribute to the development of diseases. Their research has opened new avenues for developing targeted therapies, especially in the field of oncology and endocrinology.

Solution: d)

The “Free to Think” report, which assesses global academic freedom, is published by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Monitoring Project. SAR is a network of over 665 universities worldwide that monitors threats to academic freedom, including restrictions on free expression, student protests, and political interference in education. The report provides detailed documentation of attacks on higher education, and India’s academic freedom ranking has significantly declined, as noted in the 2024 edition.

Solution: b)

The National Anubhav Award Scheme was launched in March 2015 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. The scheme encourages retiring and retired government employees to share their experiences and contributions through the Anubhav Portal, enhancing transparency and knowledge-sharing among civil servants.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct, as the Ni-Kshay Mitra Initiative has been expanded to support household contacts of TB patients.

Statement 2 is also correct, as it provides food baskets to improve immunity and reduce the financial burden on TB patients’ families.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ni-Kshay Mitra Initiative does not replace the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana; instead, it complements the scheme by extending support to the families of TB patients.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is correct, as the third launch pad is intended to provide redundancy, acting as a backup to ensure uninterrupted GSLV missions if there are issues with the second launch pad.

Statement 3 is also correct, as the pad will include integrated stage testing facilities, which were previously located separately at Mahendragiri, to streamline the operations and save time.

However, Statement 2 is incorrect because the third launch pad is designed for horizontal integration of the NGLV, not vertical integration, enhancing the efficiency of assembling and launching liquid engine boosters.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct, as microRNAs have played a crucial role in genetic evolution, influencing gene regulation in multicellular organisms over millions of years.

Statement 2 is also correct because abnormal microRNA activity has been linked to developmental disorders and other diseases.

Statement 3 is incorrect, as microRNAs are involved in regulating gene expression throughout the entire life of an organism, not just during embryonic development. MicroRNAs are essential for many biological processes, including cell differentiation, tissue development, and disease prevention.

Solution: a)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

About National Anubhav Award Scheme:

Origin and Aim:

• Launched in March 2015 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
• Objective:To encourage and incentivize retiring and retired government employees to share their experiences and contributions towards nation-building through the Anubhav Portal.
• Ministry Involved:
• Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

Key Features:

• Eligibility:Extended to employees of Central Government, CPSUs, and Public Sector Banks for the first time.
• Write-Up Submission:Submissions can now be made up to three years after retirement, instead of the previous one-year limit.
• Award Categories:Five Anubhav Awards and ten Jury Certificates will be conferred based on the assessment of published write-ups.
• New Marking System:Introduced for evaluating submissions based on different pay levels to ensure a streamlined assessment process.

Solution: c)

Birbhum District in West Bengal is known for coal mining, with several coal mines, such as the Gangaramchak and Gangaramchak-Bhadulia mines, located in the Khoyrasole block. Coal extracted here is primarily used for energy production by the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd. (WBPDCL).