1) NASA’s Fission Surface Power Project: NASA completed first phase of its plans to put a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon.
- It focused on developing concept designs for a small, electricity-generating nuclear fission reactor that could be used during a future demonstration on the Moon and to inform future designs for Mars.
- Significance
- Solar power systems have limitations on the Moon because a lunar night lasts nearly 14 Earth days.
- But a nuclear reactor, even when placed in permanently shadowed areas (where there might be water ice), could generate continuous power without external dependence.
2) Exemptions under RTI Act, 2005: Recently, Delhi HC held that CBI is not completely exempted from disclosing information under RTI as per Section 24 of RTI Act.
- Section 24 of RTI Act
- It provides immunity from the Act, to intelligence and security organizations specified in Second Schedule of the Act.
- However, information pertaining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations need to be disclosed by such agencies.
- Other Exemptions
- Section 8(1) lists exemption from disclosure of information. e.g. Information which,
- Would prejudicially affect sovereignty and integrity of India.
- May constitute contempt of court or breach of privilege of Parliament etc.
3) Atmospheric river: California (the USA) has been hit by two back-to-back Atmospheric River storms.
- Atmospheric Rivers indicate narrow, elongated corridors of concentrated moisture transport associated with extratropical cyclones.
- Typically located within low-level jet, an area of strong winds in lower levels of atmosphere, ahead of cold front in an extratropical cyclone.
- These are largest transport mechanisms of freshwater on Earth.
- Strong landfall by interacting with topography, can deposit significant amounts of precipitation in short periods of time leading to flooding and mudslides.
4) One Stop Centres (OSCs): There are more than 700 OSCs set up across India.
- OSCs fall under Sambal Sub Scheme of Mission Shakti initiated by Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Scheme of OSC is being implemented since 2015.
- Objectives
- To provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress.
- To facilitate emergency and non – emergency access to a range of services.
- Services offered
- Medical assistance
- Assistance to women in lodging FIR
- Legal aid and counselling etc.
Places in News:
1) Argentina (Capital: Buenos Aires):
- Argentina’s Lower House of Congress approved ‘Omnibus’ reform bill to transform its economy and the state.
- Political Features
- Country in South America.
- Neighboring Countries: Chile (south and west), Bolivia and Paraguay (north), and Brazil, Uruguay (east).
- Geographical Features
- Geographically divided into four major regions: Andes, North, Pampas, and Patagonia.
- Pampas is the agricultural heartland.
- Bounded to the east by Atlantic Ocean.
- Major rivers: Parana, Paraguay, Uruguay, Iguazu, Salado, etc.
- Highest peak: Cerro Aconcagua.
