DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ – 1 October 2024

Ans. c

Why in News: Every year on March 14th, the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed.

About International Day of Mathematics:

• International Day of Mathematics, also known as Pi Day, is annually observed on March 14.
• It serves to acknowledge the mathematical constant, Pi, and its significance.
• Enthusiasts and educators worldwide celebrate this day to highlight the importance of mathematics in various aspects of life.

Why March 14?

• The date, March 14, corresponds to the first three digits of Pi, which is approximately 3.14.
• When written in the month/day format (3/14), it aligns with the numerical value of Pi.

History:

• The inaugural Pi Day was celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
• In 2009, the United States House of Representatives officially recognized March 14 as Pi Day.
• UNESCO formally designated Pi Day as the ‘International Day of Mathematics’ during its general conference in 2019.
• Notably, mathematician and physicist Albert Einstein, renowned for his “General Theory Of Relativity,” was born on Pi Day in 1879.

Why in News: The initiation of the ‘core loading’ procedure at the Kalpakkam Fast Breeder reactor represents a significant achievement in India’s three-stage nuclear power program.
India’s Indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): Situated within the Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station in Tamil Nadu, India’s inaugural indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a notable landmark. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs): FBRs represent a category of nuclear reactors distinguished by their ability to generate more fissile material (fuel) than they consume.
Nuclear Transmutation for Fuel Generation: The surplus fuel production in FBRs is achieved through the conversion of fertile material into fissile material via the process of nuclear transmutation.
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program: India’s nuclear energy strategy encompasses a three-stage plan aimed at leveraging the nation’s thorium reserves for electricity generation.
Core Loading Milestone at Kalpakkam FBR: Recently, a significant milestone was achieved in India’s nuclear program with the commencement of core loading at the Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor. This step is pivotal in fuel generation for the subsequent stages.
Closed Fuel Cycle Approach: India has embraced a “closed fuel cycle” strategy, aiming for efficient utilization and recycling of nuclear fuel resources.
Understanding Nuclear Transmutation: Nuclear transmutation involves altering the nucleus of an atom, leading to a change in its identity. This process, whether natural or artificial, results in the conversion of one element or isotope into another.

Ans. b
Explanation:
The HDI is not solely a measure of two aspects but rather a composite evaluation of a nation’s average accomplishments across three fundamental dimensions of human development: health, knowledge, and standard of living. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
The HDI indeed encompasses Amartya Sen’s “capabilities” perspective on comprehending human well-being, which prioritizes the significance of ultimate objectives, such as a satisfactory standard of living, over the methods employed to achieve them, such as income per capita.

Ans. b
Explanation:
India has recently announced a donation of $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to aid the welfare of Palestinian refugees.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA was established based on United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 302 (IV) issued on December 8, 1949. The agency’s mission is to administer direct relief and employment programs for Palestinian refugees. Its operations officially began on May 1, 1950.

Ans. c
Explanation:
Recently, it has been verified that a stone idol venerated by the Bhils in the Bagh region of Madhya Pradesh is actually a fossilized dinosaur egg.
The Bhils are acknowledged as one of the ancient tribes indigenous to India.
The term ‘Bhil’ is derived from the Dravidian word ‘villu’ or ‘billu,’ meaning ‘Bow.’
They are identified as a Dravidian ethnic group originating from Western India and are categorized within the Austroloid cluster of tribes.