UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 31-07-2024

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has approved  for the "First Approach to Criticality" of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

• Aim -To ensure that ionizing radiation and nuclear energy are safe and do not pose undue risk to public health.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) develops and oversees the design and operation of facilities safety regulations for nuclear and radiation facilities.
• Capacity- 500 Mwe.
• Location- Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
• Establishment- 1983.
• Headquarters- Mumbai, India.
• Act - It operates under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962.
• Key Functions- It enforces safety standards for nuclear and radiation facilities.
  • It grants licenses for nuclear facilities and radiation applications.
  • It conducts safety inspections and assessments of nuclear plants and radiation facilities.
  • It develops and updates safety standards, codes, and guides.
  • It promotes research in nuclear and radiation safety.
  • It also Investigates and analyses nuclear incidents and accidents.
• Organizational Structure- The AERB is headed by a chairman Including the Board members who are experts from various fields.
• Significance- This authorization marks a major step towards operationalizing the PFBR, a key element of India's nuclear power program, and signifies significant progress in enhancing the country's nuclear energy capabilities.

References

1. PIB| AERB
2. AERB | About AERB

Kindlins

A recent study of Kindlins has uncovered significant and novel pathways to cancer treatment.

• Kindlins are a family of proteins that play crucial roles in cellular processes, particularly cell adhesion, migration, and signaling.
• There are 3 members in the Kindlin family - Kindlin-1, Kindlin-2, and Kindlin-3.

• Functions- Kindlins interact with the cytoplasmic tails of integrins, helping to activate them and promote their binding to ECM proteins.
• It influences cell adhesion to the ECM and subsequent cell migration, which is critical in processes like wound healing and immune responses.
• It participates in signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

References

1. PIB | Kindlins
2. Current Biology | Kindlins

PM-PRANAM

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved the PM-PRANAM scheme.

• PM-PRANAM- PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth.
• Aim- It aims to protect the environment by encouraging the sustainable use of fertilizers, adopting alternative fertilizers, and promoting organic and natural farming.
• Nodal agency- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Background- It was launched in Union Budget 2023–24.
• Coverage- All States/UTs are covered under the PM- PRANAM.
• Funding- The scheme will not have a separate budget and will be financed by the savings of existing fertilizer subsidy.
• Benefits- If a State/UT reduces its chemical fertilizer consumption (Urea, DAP, NPK, MOP) in a financial year compared to the previous three years' average, 50% of the saved subsidy will be granted to that State/UT.
  • 70% of the grant provided under the scheme can be used for asset creation related to technological adoption of alternate fertilisers and alternate fertiliser production units.
  • 30% grant money can be used for incentivizing farmers, panchayats, farmer producer organizations, self-help groups, etc.
• Data- iFMS (Integrated fertilisers Management System) data available in the Fertiliser Ministry dashboard will be used for this purpose.

References

1. PIB | PM-PRANAM
2. The Indian Express | PM PRANAM scheme

Extreme Weather Events in India

India has recently experienced extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, floods, droughts, and cyclones, which some experts attribute to climate change.

Extreme weather events

• It refers to significant variations in weather that can lead to severe and often destructive conditions.
• Examples include heatwaves, cold waves, heavy precipitation (like floods), tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and droughts.
• These events are often short-lived but can have devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems.
• Causes
  • Climate Change
  • Natural Climate Variability
  • Atmospheric Conditions
  • Geographical Factors
  • Human Activities
  • Seasonal Changes

Extreme weather events in India

Reference

The Indian Express | Extreme Weather Events in India

National Metallurgist Awards, 2024

Union Ministry of Steel invites applications for the National Metallurgist Awards, 2024.

• Objective - To recognize the outstanding contributions in the metallurgical field, covering Operations, Research & Development, Waste Management, and Energy Conservation.
• The awards are given on an annual basis.
• The 1^st award was given in the year 1963.
• Categories – The Awards are given in the following 5 categories.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • National Metallurgist Award
  • Young Metallurgist(Metal Science) Award
  • Young Metallurgist(Environment) Award
  • Award for R&D in Iron & Steel Sector.
• Eligibility - This scheme is only for Indian nationals, who have contributed to the field of metallurgy in India through their work in Industry, R&D or Academia.
• Mode of Nominations - Nominations will be through companies/organizations or from the public through self-nomination.
• Assessment Criteria & Weightage - Awards shall be considered only on a minimum score of 75 out of 100.

References

1. PIB | National Metallurgist Awards -2024
2. Ministry of Steel | National Metallurgist Award Scheme