UPSC EXAM QUIZ 29.10.2024

Explanation:

• Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the launch of a platform called e-Shram-One Stop Solution to facilitate access to various social security and welfare schemes for unorganized workers in India.

e-Shram

• Origin: e-Shram was launched on August 26, 2021, with the aim of providing a comprehensive database of unorganized workers and facilitating their access to welfare schemes.
• Objective: The platform acts as a one-stop solution for unorganized workers by integrating information and providing easy access to social security and welfare schemes.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Explanation:

• A recent study by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has established an important link between volcanic eruptions and ionospheric disturbances, helping to understand space weather and its impact on satellite communications.

Key Findings of the Study

• Ionospheric Disturbances: The study found that strong atmospheric gravity waves generated by volcanic eruptions, such as the Tonga volcanic eruption (2022), reach the upper atmosphere. These waves lead to the formation of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), which decrease the ionospheric density, and interfere with satellite communications and systems such as GPS.
• Impact on Satellite Communication and Navigation Systems: EPBs cause disturbances in satellite communications, which increase especially after sunset. These disturbances affect navigation systems, air traffic control, and other satellite-based services.
• Formation of Ionospheric Bubbles and EPBs: Scientists conducted an in-depth study of ionospheric bubbles and ionospheric conditions. Their analysis shows that gravity waves generated by volcanoes create favourable conditions for the formation of EPBs, which are the main cause of communication disruptions.

Explanation:

• NESTS has launched the 'Amazon Future Engineer Program' for Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
• The third phase of the Amazon Future Engineer Program is an important initiative for tribal students, which is being launched in collaboration with the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).
• The program will be implemented in 410 proposed Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aimed at introducing tribal students across the country to cutting-edge technical subjects such as computer science, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and coding.

Explanation:

• New non-toxic molecules developed by scientists at the Pune-based Agharkar Research Institute to treat Alzheimer's disease.
• Recently, a rapid one-pot, three-component reaction with high synthetic yield to generate new molecules has been developed by Institute scientists Dr. Prasad Kulkarni and Dr. Vinod Ugale (SERB TARE Fellow).
• Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology.
• The team used a combination of synthetic, computational and in vitro studies to uncover new gene that may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
• The newly developed molecules were found to effectively target cholinesterase enzymes, increasing the availability of acetylcholine, which is critical for memory and learning.
• Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for about 75% of all dementia cases.
• Of the approximately 55 million people with dementia worldwide, 60% to 70% are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• The disease most commonly affects people over the age of 65.
• Its causes mainly include age-related brain changes and genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Alzheimer

• Neurons are specialized cells in the brain that make up the nervous system.
• The nervous system communicates between the brain and the rest of the body.
• Alzheimer's disease (AD) disrupts this communication, leading to problems with learning and memory and changes in adaptive behavior.
• Alzheimer's disease is caused by an imbalance in certain hormones.

Explanation:

• The Indian men's football team moved up one place to 125th in the latest FIFA rankings released on October 24.
• The team achieved this position due to its 1-1 draw against Vietnam in an international friendly match earlier this month.
• India are yet to win a match under new coach Manolo Marquez.
• The Marquez-led side has lost one match and drawn twice, earning +0.26 points, taking their total to 1133.78.
• India also moved up one place to 22nd in the AFC standings.
• However, world champions Argentina continue to dominate at No.1 with 1883.5 points, while France, European champions Spain and England and Brazil complete the top five.