Ans: b

Exp: 

The Government of India has granted $1 million as immediate assistance for Papua New Guinea, which has been hit by a devastating flood and landslide that has so far killed 2,000 people. 

About Landslides:

• A sudden movement of rock, boulders, earth or debris down a slope is termed a landslide.
• Landslide are natural disasters occurring mainly in mountainous terrains where there are conducive conditions of soil, rock, geology and slope
• Statement 1 is correct:  Landslides can be caused by a combination of natural factors such as rainfall, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, as well as human factors such as deforestation, improper land use, and unplanned activities 

Causes of Landslides:

• Climate Changes: Variations in precipitation and groundwater levels can affect soil stability.
• Geological Factors: The type of soil and rock, as well as the structure and composition of these materials, can influence the likelihood of a landslide.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Clay, a weathering product of rock mass, contributes to landslide occurrence because of their chemical and physical properties.
• Slope Gradient and Orientation: Steeper slopes are more prone to landslides, and the direction a slope faces can influence its saturation and stability.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Vegetation: Plants and trees contribute to slope stability. Removing vegetation can increase the risk of landslides.
• Human Activity: Construction, deforestation, and other activities can destabilize slopes and increase landslide risk.
• Earthquakes: Seismic activity can trigger landslides, particularly in areas with unstable slopes.

Ans: d

Exp:

A gene called SASS6 and its variants have been implicated in a developmental process that causes microcephaly.

About microcephaly:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than normal. 
  • Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain, poor motor function, poor speech, and abnormal facial features, and are intellectually disabled.
• Zika virus infection can cause microcephaly in newborns.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. 
  • The Zika virus was named after the Zika Forest in Uganda, where it had been discovered for the first time in 1947 and the first human case of Zika was reported in 1952.
  • The Zika virus caused a significant epidemic in Brazil in 2015.

Ans: c

Exp:

Recently, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who visited National Aerospace Limited (NAL) facilities and laid the foundation stone of the Centre for Carbon Fiber and Prepregs in Bengaluru.

About Prepreg:

• Prepreg stands for “pre-impregnated” and refers to a composite material where the reinforcement fibers (such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid) are pre-impregnated with a resin system (typically epoxy, phenolic, or thermoplastic). 
• This resin system already contains the necessary curing agents, so the prepreg is ready for lay-up and curing into a final composite part.

Key Features and Benefits of Prepregs:

• Controlled Resin Content: The resin is uniformly distributed within the fibers, ensuring consistent material properties and reducing variability in the final product.
• Improved Quality: Prepregs offer superior mechanical properties compared to wet lay-up processes because the resin content and fiber alignment are precisely controlled during manufacturing.
• Convenience: They are convenient to use, as they eliminate the need to mix and apply resin during the lay-up process, reducing preparation time and minimizing mess.
• Storage and Handling: Prepregs need to be stored at low temperatures (usually in a freezer) to prevent premature curing. They have a shelf life, after which they may not perform as intended.
• Versatility: Prepregs can be used in various applications, including aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and wind energy, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent durability.

Ans: b

Exp:

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Ayush, today launced “PRAGATI- 2024” (Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation). 

About Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS):

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: Establishment: CCRAS is an autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, 
  • Statement 2 is correct: It was established in 1978 to formulate, coordinate, develop, and promote research on scientific lines in the Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine..
  • Objective: Its primary objectives are to undertake research to scientifically establish the efficacy of Ayurvedic practices, develop and promote Ayurveda science through research and education, and integrate traditional Ayurvedic methods with modern medicine for more comprehensive healthcare.

• Functions:

• • Research Studies: Conducts various types of research studies like drug research, fundamental research, clinical research, literary research, and medicinal plant research.
  • Publication: Publishes scientific journals, research papers, and other documentation to disseminate knowledge.
  • Medicinal Plant Development: Focuses on the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda.
  • Public Health Initiatives: Implements public health programs and provides training to practitioners.

Ans: a

Exp:

The Supreme Court has served a blow to “single window” clearances, meant to hasten infrastructural development, in the ecologically fragile and seismic-prone lower Himalayan ranges by temporarily staying the construction of a 90-acre hotel and township project in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand.

About Kumaon Himalayas: 

• Location: The Kumaon Himalayas is the west-central section of the Himalayas in northern India.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: Geographical Boundary: It lies between the Sutlej River in the west and the Kali River in the East.
• Statement 2 is correct: Composition: It comprises part of the Siwalik Range in the south and part of the Great Himalayas in the north, lies largely within the state of Uttarakhand, northwest of Nepal.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Highest Peaks: The highest peak of this region is Nanda Devi.
• Lakes: The region is home to several lakes including Naini Lake, Sattal, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiya Tal.
• Hill Stations: It is home to some of the major hill stations such as Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora.
• Indigenous People: The region is a melting pot of tribal/indigenous people – Tharus, Bhutiyas, Jaunsaris, Buksas, and Rajis.