01. Consider the following statements with respect to Axiom-4 Mission:
1) It aims to facilitate commercial activities in space.
2) It supports scientific experiments and technological tests of the microgravity environment of space.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
In News: India selects 2 crew members for Axiom-4 mission to ISS
Explanation:
About Axiom-4 mission
- Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station.
- It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
- The flight is in collaboration with NASA and will be the fourth flight of Axiom Space after Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.
- Scheduled to launch in 2024, Axiom-4 will continue the company’s pioneering efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Objectives:
- Axiom-4 aims to facilitate commercial activities in space, including scientific research, technological development, and space tourism.Hence statement 1 is correct
- The mission will help demonstrate the viability of commercial space stations as a platform for business and innovation.
- Axiom-4 is set to carry a diverse crew of astronauts from different countries, reflecting the growing international interest in space exploration.This mission will strengthen partnerships between nations and contribute to global space initiatives.
- The mission will support various scientific experiments and technological tests in the unique microgravity environment of space.Hence statement 2 is correct
- Research areas include materials science, biology, Earth observation, and more, with the potential to yield groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
02. Consider the following statements with respect to the primary mission of the International Space Station:
1) Microgravity Experiments
2) Biology and Medicine
3) Earth Observation
4)Technology Development
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)Only One
(b)Only two
(c)Only two
(d)All four
Answer: (d) All four
In News: India selects 2 crew members for Axiom-4 mission to ISS
Explanation:
- The insights gained from these experiments contribute to our understanding of fundamental scientific principles and have practical applications on Earth.
Microgravity Experiments:
- The ISS provides a microgravity environment that allows scientists to conduct experiments not possible on Earth. This includes research in physics, materials science, fluid dynamics, and combustion. The insights gained from these experiments have practical applications in fields such as medicine, manufacturing, and technology development.Hence statement 1 is correct
Biology and Medicine:
- The effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body are studied on the ISS. Researchers investigate the impact of microgravity on bone density, muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and the immune system. This research is crucial for understanding the challenges of human space exploration on longer missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.Hence statement 2 is correct
Earth Observation:
- The ISS serves as a platform for Earth observation. Instruments on the station capture images and data that contribute to our understanding of Earth’s climate, weather patterns, natural disasters, and environmental changes. The station’s unique vantage point allows for observations not possible from the surface.Hence statement 3 is correct
Technology Development:
- The ISS serves as a testbed for new technologies and systems. From advanced robotics to life support systems, technologies developed and tested on the ISS have applications both in space and on Earth. The station’s role in advancing technology contributes to scientific and industrial innovation.Hence statement 4 is correct
Human Spaceflight Experience:
- The ISS serves as a crucial platform for human spaceflight experience and research. It provides a habitat where astronauts live and work for extended periods, allowing scientists to study the effects of long-duration space travel on the human body and psyche. This knowledge is invaluable for future manned missions to destinations like the Moon or Mars.
Diplomacy in Space:
- The ISS serves as a beacon of diplomatic collaboration, demonstrating that even in times of geopolitical tension, nations can come together for a common purpose. The space station is a tangible example of how peaceful cooperation can prevail in the challenging environment of outer space.
Source:
03. Consider the following statements with respect to COVAXIN.
- It is an activated vaccine.
- It has been developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- It serves to build immunity by helping the body create antibodies against the dead virus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
Answer: d) 2 and 3 only
In News: ICMR got ₹172 cr. from Bharat Biotech for Covaxin
Explanation:
About COVAXIN:
- COVAXIN is an inactivated vaccine, created from a strain of the infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus, that has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating extensive safety and effective immune responses.Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- COVAXIN has been developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV).Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech.
- It is an inactivated vaccine that is made by using particles of the Covid-19 virus that were killed, making them unable to infect or replicate.
- Injecting particular doses of these particles serves to build immunity by helping the body create antibodies against the dead virus.Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing Vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for polio, rabies, rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.
04. Consider the following statements with regarding to“Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan”
1)It has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
2)It aims to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women.
3)It ensures at least one antenatal checkup for all pregnant women in their second or third trimester by a physician/specialist.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)All three
Answer: (d)All three
In News:Extended PMSMA strategy launched to ensure quality Antenatal care to pregnant women
Explanation:
About Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan”
- The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The program aims to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their 2nd / 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities.Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The programme follows a systematic approach for engagement with the private sector which includes motivating private practitioners to volunteer for the campaign developing strategies for generating awareness and appealing to the private sector to participate in the Abhiyan at government health facilities.
- It envisages to improve the quality and coverage of Antenatal Care (ANC) including diagnostics and counselling services as part of the Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) Strategy.
Source:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2040949
05.Ministry of Women and Child Development clubbed into few schemes for improving nutrition and health safety, protection and empowerment of women protective care and welfare of child 1)Saksham Anganwadi Poshan
2)Mission Shakti
3)Mission Vatsalya
How many of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)Only One
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Answer: (c)All three
In News: Schemes implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development clubbed into three verticals
Explanation:
Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0):
- (i) Nutrition Support for POSHAN and for Adolescent Girls
- (ii) Early Childhood Care and Education [3-6 years] and
- (iii) Anganwadi Infrastructure including modern, upgraded Saksham Anganwadis.
Mission Shakti:
- Mission Shakti comprises of two sub-verticals, i.e., ‘Sambal’ for safety and security of women and ‘Samarthya’ for empowerment of women.
Mission Vatsalya:
- (i) Support and sustain Children in difficult circumstances.
- (ii) Develop context-based solutions for holistic development of children from varied backgrounds.
- (iii) Provide scope for green field projects for encouraging innovative solutions.
- (iv) Cement convergent action by gap funding, if required.
- The criteria, rules & regulations and Standard Operating Procedure for implementing the aforesaid schemes have been circulated to all States/UTs and the same have also been placed on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.wcd.nic.in .
Source:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2040950
06.Consider the following statements with respect to Inflation:
1)Consumer Price Index(CPI)
2) Wholesale Price Index( WPI)
3)Producer price index for manufacturing
Which of the above is /are correct to Measure Inflation In India?
a)1 only
b)2 only
c)1 and 2
d)2 and 3
Answer:c)1 and 2
In News:‘Elevated, broad-basedfood inflation to force RBI to hold’
Explanation:
About Inflation:
- Inflation as defined as the rate of increase in prices over a given period, encompassing a broad measure of overall price increases or for specific goods and services.
- It reflects the rising cost of living and indicates how much more expensive a set of goods and/or services has become over a specified period, usually a year.
Different Causes of Inflation
Demand-Pull Inflation:
- Demand-Pull Inflation occurs when the demand for goods and services exceeds their supply. When the overall demand in the economy is high, consumers are willing to pay more for the available goods and services, leading to a general rise in prices.
Cost-Push Inflation:
- Cost-Push Inflation is driven by an increase in the production costs for goods and services. This can be caused by factors such as increased incomes, increased costs of raw materials, or disruptions in the supply chain.
Monetary Inflation:
- Monetary inflation is often linked to an increase in the money supply in an economy. When there is more money in circulation, consumers have more purchasing power, which can drive up demand and prices.
- The two primary indices used to measure inflation in India are the Consumer Price Index(CPI) and Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Wholesale Price Index( WPI) . Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Producer price index for manufacturing. Hence statement 3 is incorrect
07.Consider the following statements with respect to the Hoolock Gibbon
1)It is the smallest and fastest of all apes.
2)They are found in India’s northeastern region.
3)It is endangered on the IUCN Red list.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)Only One
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Answer:(c)All three
In News: Oil and gas exploration likely to threaten Hoolock Gibbon habitat in Assam
Explanation:
- Gibbons, known as the smallest and fastest of all apes, inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- They have high intelligence, distinct personalities, and strong family bonds similar to other apes.
- They represent one of the 20 gibbon species found world.
- The current population of hoolock gibbons is estimated to be around 12,000 individuals.
- They are found in forested areas of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Southern China.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Two distinct hoolock gibbon species are found in India’s northeastern region: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the wesern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
- Conservation Status:
- International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red list :Western Hoolock Gibbon: Endangered.Hence statement 2 is correct
- Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Vulnerable. But commonly they are known as endangered species.
- Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/oil-and-gas-exploration-likely-to-threaten-hoolock-gibbon-habitat-in-assam-101722278823930.html
08.Consider the following statements with respect to the NanoMIND technology:
1) Healthcare
2) Environmental Monitoring
3) Advanced Manufacturing
4) Artificial Intelligence
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)Only One
(b)Only two
(c)only three
(d)All four
Answer:(d)All four
In News: Scientists use magnetism to mind-control mice in world’s first experiment
Explanation:
About Nano-MIND Technology:
- Nano MIND technology enables wireless, remote, and precise modulation of specific deep brain neural circuits using magnetism.
- By leveraging magnetic fields and magnetic nanoparticles, it selectively activates targeted brain circuits.
Significance of the Research:
Maximize Computational Efficiency: By utilizing nanoscale materials and devices, NanoMIND significantly reduces the physical and energy footprints of computational systems.
- This efficiency is crucial for the development of next-generation AI systems that require robust yet compact frameworks.
- Enhance Data Processing Speed: The integration of AI accelerates data processing, allowing for real-time analysis and decision-making.
- This is particularly beneficial in fields requiring rapid data interpretation, such as autonomous systems and real-time medical diagnostics.
- Improve Reliability and Precision: Nanoscale devices are inherently precise due to their small size, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of computational models.
- This precision is vital for applications in scientific research and advanced manufacturing.
Applications and Use-Cases
The potential applications of NanoMIND technology are vast and varied, spanning across several high-impact domains:
- Healthcare: In medical diagnostics, NanoMIND technology can lead to the development of nanoscale sensors capable of detecting diseases at an early stage with high precision. Additionally, it can enhance brain-machine interfaces, improving the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Environmental Monitoring: NanoMIND-based sensors can be deployed for the real-time monitoring of environmental pollutants at molecular levels, providing crucial data for addressing environmental challenges.Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Advanced Manufacturing: The precision of NanoMIND technology can revolutionize manufacturing processes by enabling the creation of nanoscale devices and materials with unprecedented accuracy, leading to advancements in sectors such as electronics and materials science.Hence statement 3 is correct.
- Artificial Intelligence: The integration of AI with nanotechnology in NanoMIND facilitates the development of more efficient and powerful AI systems, capable of tackling complex computational problems with enhanced efficiency and reduced energy consumption.Hence statement 4 is correct.
09.Consider the following statements :
1)Irrigated rice yields are projected to decline by 3.5 per cent by 2050 and 5 per cent by 2080
2)Wheat yields are expected to decrease by 19.3 per cent by 2050 and 40 per cent by 2080
3)soybean yields are projected to increase by 3 to 10 per cent by 2030 and 14 per cent by 2080
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)Only One
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Answer:(c)All three
In News: As told to Parliament Climate impact could reduce rainfed rice yields Explanation:
Explanation:
- Integrated computer simulation modelling studies have revealed that, in the absence of adaptation measures, climate change projections regarding changes in temperature and precipitation irrigated rice yields are projected to decline by 3.5 per cent by 2050 and 5 per cent by 2080.
- Wheat yields are expected to decrease by 19.3 per cent by 2050 and 40 per cent by 2080.
- While kharif maize yields are anticipated to fall by 18 to 23 per cent by 2050 and 2080.
- However,soybean yields are projected to increase by 3 to 10 per cent by 2030 and 14 per cent by 2080.
10.With reference to the history of india the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote:
(a) measurement of land
(b) coins of different monetary value
(c) classification of urban land
(d) religious rituals
Answer: (a) measurement of land
In NEWS: previous year question (2020)
EXPLANATION:
Kulyavapa
This term is associated with the measurement of land in terms of the amount of seed required to sow the land. Specifically, ‘kulyavapa’ refers to the amount of land that could be sown with a ‘kulya’ of seeds. A ‘kulya’ is a specific measure of volume for seeds, and thus ‘kulyavapa’ essentially denotes a unit of area based on the seed sowing capacity.
Dronavapa
Similar to ‘kulyavapa’, ‘dronavapa’ is another term related to land measurement based on the capacity of seed required for sowing. It refers to the amount of land that could be sown with a ‘drona’ of seeds. A ‘drona’ is another traditional Indian measure of volume, and thus ‘dronavapa’ represents a unit of area determined by the amount of seed (measured in ‘dronas’) that would be used to sow that area.