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- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are next-generation nuclear reactors with a generation capacity of up to 300 MW(e), approximately one-third the size of conventional reactors. These reactors are compact, pre-fabricated in factories, and can be easily transported for installation, making them ideal for remote locations or areas with limited space. Examples include NuScale (USA) and CAREM (Argentina).
- SMRs require refueling every 3-7 years, significantly less often than the 1-2 years needed for traditional nuclear power plants.
- In the Union Budget for 2025–26, the government has announced the initiation of a Nuclear Energy Mission, emphasizing research and development of SMRs and setting a goal to develop and deploy at least five domestically designed and operational SMRs by 2033.
- The Act is designed to safeguard the rights of transgender individuals and establish a legal framework for their social, economic, and cultural empowerment.
- As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, a transgender person is defined as someone whose gender identity differs from the gender assigned to them at birth.
- Key Provisions:
- Non-Discrimination: The Act prohibits discrimination against transgender individuals in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and access to public services.
- Self-Identification: It grants the right to individuals to self-identify their gender, with the issuance of certificates by district magistrates, eliminating the need for medical examinations.
- Medical Care: The Act ensures that transgender persons have access to gender-affirming treatments and HIV surveillance, along with insurance coverage for medical expenses.
- National Council: The National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) was established under this Act in 2020 as a statutory body to oversee the welfare and rights of transgender persons.
- The Mahabodhi Temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, after he worshiped at the Bodhi tree, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment.
- The temple remained an important Buddhist site through the Pala dynasty and was visited by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang in 629 AD.
- However, following the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 13th century, Buddhism saw a decline in the region.
- The current structure of the Mahabodhi Temple dates back to the 5th–6th century CE, during the Late Gupta period, and is constructed entirely of brick.
- In 1590, a Hindu monk established the Bodh Gaya Mutt, which led to Hindu control over the temple.
- After India’s Independence, the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, transferred the control of the temple from the Hindu head to a shared management committee.
- Architectural Features:
- The temple boasts a Shikhara, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), Chaitya niches, amalaka, kalasha, sculpted balustrades, and numerous Buddha images and votive stupas.
- The Seven Sacred Sites associated with Buddha's seven weeks after his enlightenment are located nearby, including Animeshlochan Chaitya, Ratnachakrama, Lotus Pond, Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, and Ratnaghar Chaitya, marking key events of Buddha’s journey.