UPSC QUIZ 04.10.2023

Explanation:

• The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar was recently awarded its own unique international three-letter code, 'DXN', by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).'D' signifies Delhi, 'N' represents Noida, and 'X' symbolizes connectivity to the globe.

Airport Codes

• Airport codes serve as distinctive identifiers for airports worldwide. These codes are essential for a seamless travel experience and are used in various contexts, from tickets and boarding passes to airport signage.
• Each airport actually has two unique codes: one assigned by IATA and another by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a branch of the United Nations.

Explanation:

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has requested the government to increase the guaranteed pension amount under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) as the existing amount may not be attractive enough for potential subscribers.

Key points

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has written to the government requesting an increase in the guaranteed pension amount under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
• It is noteworthy that in the case of guaranteed pension, the government has to make a budgetary proposal.
• If the pension amount is increased then funding will also have to be increased.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Atal Pension Yojana administered by PFRDA is a contributory scheme.
• This scheme was started on 9 May 2015.
• Atal Pension Yojana aims to establish a universal social security system for workers in the unorganized sector.
• Currently subscribers aged between 18 to 40 years contribute and receive a fixed pension amount ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 after reaching the age of 60 years.

Explanation:

• MIT researchers have developed a novel superconducting qubit architecture that can conduct operations between qubits with far greater precision than before.

Key points

• The new qubit circuit enables quantum operations with high accuracy.
• This architecture uses a relatively new type of superconducting qubit called fluxonium.
• It is scalable and can be used to build quantum computers on a large scale.
• The new type of superconducting qubit they use is known as fluxonium,
• The lifetime of fluxonium can be much longer than that of other commonly used superconducting qubits.
• Fluxonium is a type of qubit (quantum bit) based on the operation of critical junctions in superconducting circuits.

Explanation:

• KN Shanth Kumar was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Press Trust of India (PTI) for a one-year term.
• K.N. Shanth Kumar was elected after the Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi.
• This change marks an important development in Indian journalism.
• Shanth Kumar has replaced Avik Sarkar.
• Hindustan Times CEO Praveen Someshwar was elected vice-chairman of PTI's board of directors.

K.N. Shanth Kumar's distinguished career

• Shanth Kumar, 62, has extensive experience in media management.
• He has a long association with The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd.
• His contributions extend to leadership roles in industry organizations including the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and the Indian Newspaper Society (INS).

Press Trust of India (PTI)

• PTI, established in 1947, is India's largest and oldest private news agency.
• Owned by a consortium of newspapers, it reinvests profits in its growth.
• Shanth Kumar's election marks a new era for PTI, underscoring its commitment to delivering credible news in a changing media landscape.

Explanation:

• Military Nursing Service (MNS) celebrated its 98th Raising Day on October 1, 2023.
• MNS is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious women's services within the armed forces.
• Serving and retired MNS officers paid homage at the National War Memorial on September 30, 2023.
• Additional DGMNS organized a social gathering at MNS Officers Mess, AH(R&R), New Delhi.
• The event was attended by over 300 guests including senior dignitaries from the three Services and experienced MNS officers.

Historical importance of MNS

• The origins of the MNS date back to the colonial era when British and Indian soldiers served in the British Army.
• In 1888, the Indian Army Nursing Service (IANS) was established, marking the formal beginning of military nursing in India.
• IANS officers played a vital role in providing medical care during the First and Second World Wars.
• On October 1, 1926, the Permanent Nursing Service was established and designated as the Indian Military Nursing Service.
• After Independence, the MNS became part of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and has since earned a reputation for dedication and exemplary service in both war and peace, making it one of the world's top nursing services known for its resilience and courage.