Ans: B

Exp:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software named Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis (PraVaHa).

About PraVaHa:

• PraVaHa: A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• Purpose: Simulates external and internal flows on aerospace vehicles.
• Applications: Used in the Gaganyaan program for aerodynamic analysis of human-rated launch vehicles, viz, HLVM3, Crew Escape System (CES), and Crew Module (CM).
• Capabilities: Can predict aerodynamic and aerothermal loads, solving equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy along with the equation of state.
• Technical Aspects: Utilizes both CPU and GPU architecture of supercomputing facilities. The software framework allows collaborative development.
• Current and Future Developments: Operational for Perfect Gas & Real Gas conditions. Future developments include simulating chemical reactions during air dissociation and combustion.
• Contribution to Atmanirbhar India: By making PraVaHa available to academia and other institutions, ISRO aims to contribute to the goal of Atmanirbhar India.

Ans: B

Exp:

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations for the “joint development and commercialisation” of low dose or paediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India.

About Sickle Cell Disease:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. 
• It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
• Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Healthy red blood cells are round.
• Cause: In someone who has SCD, the haemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.” 
• Impact: The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow.
• Threats Posed: Increases the risk of infection and of death from conditions like stroke, heart problems, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications.
• Statement 2 is correct: Treatment: Recently, ICMR has developed hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, which is an effective drug for treating patients of sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.
• World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated on June 19 to raise awareness about this genetic blood disorder and to educate people about how to manage their lifestyles.

Ans: A

Exp: 

The Preston curve refers to a certain empirical relationship that is witnessed between life expectancy and per capita income in a country. 

About Preston Curve:

• • Statement 1 is correct: The Preston Curve depicts the empirical relationship between life expectancy and per capita income.
  • Origin: Proposed by Samuel H. Preston in his 1975 paper.
  • Observation: People in wealthier countries tend to have longer life spans due to better access to healthcare, education, nutrition, and cleaner environments.

• Empirical Observations

• • • Initial Increase: As a country’s per capita income rises, life expectancy increases significantly, especially from low-income levels.
    • Example: In India, per capita income rose from ₹9,000 (1947) to ₹55,000 (2011), and life expectancy increased from 32 years to over 66 years.
    • Diminishing Returns: Beyond a certain income threshold, the increase in life expectancy flattens out.

• Role of technology:

• • Statement 2 is incorrect: Technological advancements play a significant role in the shift of the Preston Curve.
  • Poor countries today benefit from technologies developed by richer countries, achieving higher life expectancy even with low incomes.

Ans: C

Exp:

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) announced the successful conclusion of the first phase of its groundbreaking longitudinal health monitoring project, the ‘Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase’ (PI-CheCK).

About Phenome India Project:

• Statement 1 is correct: Launched on 7th December 2023 by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Statement 2 is correct: The project aims to assess risk factors in non-communicable (cardio-metabolic) diseases within the Indian populace. It has enrolled nearly 10,000 participants, including CSIR employees, pensioners, and their spouses from across 17 states and 24 cities.
• Data Collection: The project collects comprehensive health data, including clinical questionnaires, lifestyle and dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, imaging/scanning data, and extensive biochemical and molecular data.
• Purpose: The project seeks to understand the mechanisms underlying the increasing risk and incidence of cardio metabolic disorders in the Indian population and develop new strategies for risk stratification, prevention, and management of these diseases.
• These projects aim to ensure that risk prediction algorithms are more accurate and representative of India’s diverse genetic and lifestyle landscape. They seek to provide valuable scientific insights, marking a significant stride toward personalized and precision medicine.

Ans: C

Exp:

Recently,  The 80th anniversary of D-Day was celebrated. In this event, Parachutists jumped from World War II-era C-47 planes over Normandy to commemorate the D- Day.

About Normandy:

• Location: It is a region of northern France.
• It is geographically positioned both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Eastern Hemisphere of the Earth.
• Bordering Regions: Normandy is bordered by
  • East: Hauts-de-France and Ile-de-France to the east
  • West: Atlantic Ocean.
  • North: English Channel.
  • South: Pays de la Loire 
    • Southeast: Centre-Val de Loire 
    • Southwest: Brittany