Ans:  b

Expl:  

Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) was a satyagraha in Travancore, India (now part of Kerala) against untouchability and caste-based discrimination in Hindu society. Hence Statement 1 is correct.

• Aim of the Movement: The Vaikom Satyagraha aimed at securing freedom to all sections of society through the public roads leading to the Sri Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom.
• Leaders of Movement: 
  • It was led by visionary leaders like Ezhava leader T K Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and K. Kelappan.
  • Periyar E.V. Ramasamy was the only non-Kerala leader to lead the Satyagraha, earning him the title Vaikom Veerar. Hence Statement 2 is correct.
• Centre of the Vaikom Movement: The movement was centered at the Shiva temple at Vaikom, near (present district) Kottayam.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Association with Vaikom Satyagraha

• Non-Participation: While he was consulted at every stage of the Satyagraha, Gandhi neither led it nor participated in it. Gandhi’s 10-day visit was, however, a turning point, and led it to its ultimate triumph.
• Visit of Gandhi: He visited Vaikom only once during the 20-month-long struggle from 1924 to 1925. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936:

• The Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936, issued by the Maharaja of Travancore, was a landmark event in the fight against caste-based discrimination in India. However, it was not directly issued as a result of the success of the Vaikom Satyagraha. Hence Statement 3 is correct.

Ans: D

Expl: Indian scientists develop novel gene therapy treatment for haemophilia A.

• Its effectiveness was established based on results from a cohort of 112 patients followed up for at least 3 years after Roctavian treatment.

About Haemophilia A in India:

• Haemophilia A is  a rare hereditary condition caused by a defective gene leading to life-threatening bleeding episodes. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• India has the world’s second-largest haemophilia patient pool, with 40,000–100,000 cases. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• Severe Haemophilia A patients (<1% clotting factor) manage with costly treatments, averaging ₹2.54 crore over 10 years.

Technique that modifies a person’s genes to treat or cure disease.

• Mechanisms
• • Replacing a disease-causing gene with a healthy copy of the gene
  • Inactivating a disease-causing gene that is not functioning properly
  • Introducing a new or modified gene into the body 
• Based on → Transfer of a non-pathogenic and non-replicating recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV), the viral DNA of which has been replaced by a bioengineered gene cassette, with a tissue-specific promoter and other regulatory elements.
• Only one gene therapy which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercial use in 2023 → Roctavian → Works by transporting the therapeutic gene into the body by using an adenovirus as a carrier or vector and involves the liver in producing Factor VIII.
• The typical treatment for the condition requires injections at frequent intervals, with infusions of a ‘clotting factor’ to prevent bleeding.
• Gene therapy treatments, however, promise to be a one-time solution. A gene introduced into the body teaches it to create enough of the clotting factor that can prevent such haemorrhage. Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.

Ans: a

Expl: iHub – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) at IIT Ropar, established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has introduced its cutting-edge Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Gateway and Node System. 

With a funding allocation of ₹110 crore, this initiative aims to bring transformative advancements to agriculture and water management through innovative technological solutions.

Key Highlights of AWaDH BLE Gateway and Node System:

1. Technology Focus:
   • The system leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a power-efficient communication technology suitable for data transmission in IoT (Internet of Things) systems.
   • It is tailored for applications in agriculture, water resource management, and environmental monitoring. Hence 4 is correct.
2. Potential Applications:
   • Agriculture→ Monitors factors like soil moisture and air quality for precision farming, improving sustainability. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
   • Logistics→ Ensures optimal environmental conditions for perishable goods, reducing spoilage risks.  Hence Statement 2 is correct.
   • Smart Cities & Industrial Sites→ Enhances operational efficiency, security, and resource management with large-scale monitoring.  Hence Statement 3 is correct.
   • Real-Time Data and Alerts→ Provides proactive responses to temperature changes or unauthorized movements.

Ans: A

Explanation: A male markhor, one of the most elusive large mammals in India recently spotted close to the Kazinag National Park and the Line of Control, forms part of the species’ natural habitat.

• Statement 1 is  Correct: The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is indeed considered the world’s largest wild goat. It is known for its distinctive twisted horns and large body size, making it a prominent species among wild goats.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: Markhor is not classified as ‘Critically Endangered.’ It is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its stable but small population, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.
  • The species is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 
  • Further, it is included in Schedule I of both the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect: Markhor is not distributed throughout Western India or across 11 states. Its distribution is restricted to northern Jammu and Kashmir in India and specific regions in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. Western India is not part of its natural habitat.

Ans: B

Expl: The Ashtalakshmi 2024 festival celebrates the beauty, culture, and diversity of the 8 North-Eastern States.

• It offers a dynamic platform to display Northeast India’s vibrant textile sector, tourism opportunities, traditional craftmanship and distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products.

Following are some of the GIs from North-east India:

Pair 1 is not correctly match: Adi Kekir Ginger → Arunachal Pradesh 

• Grown in → Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh 
• Cultivated by → Adi tribe.
• Renowned for → medicinal properties → Aiding in everything from digestive issues to menstrual pain.
• Other GI Tag Products → Wakro Orange and Monpa Maize 

Pair 2 is  correctly match: Dalle Khursani → Sikkim

• Fiery red pepper grown in Sikkim 
• Grown in → protected organic conditions
• Revered for its pungency, used in local pickles and pastes, and even celebrated for its medicinal properties.
• Other Products → Sikkim Large Cardamom, Temi Tea, Sikkim Orchids, and Sikkim Orange

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Naga King Chilli or Raja Mircha → Nagaland

• Grown in Nagaland → One of the hottest chilies in the world.
• Represents the deep connection the Naga people have to their land and cultural heritage.
• Thrives in the high-altitude, humid climate of Nagaland
• Other Products → Naga Tree Tomato, Chak Hao rice, and Naga Cucumber

Pair 4 is not correctly matched: Kaji Nimu → Assam

• Distinctive variety of lemon celebrated for its size, aroma, and sharp tang
• Other Products → Tezpur Litchi, Joha Rice, Bodo Keradapini spices, and Boka Chaul rice.