Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, researchers have used a CRISPR-Cas9 tool to restore vision in a group of adults and children with congenital blindness.

Statement 1 is correct: CRISPR/Cas9 edits genes by precisely cutting DNA and then harnessing natural DNA repair processes to modify the gene in the desired manner. 

• The system has two components: the Cas9 enzyme and a guide RNA. Rapidly translating a revolutionary technology with the goal of developing transformative therapies.

Statement 2 is incorrect: CRISPR-Cas9 is an DNA editing technique that enables geneticists and

medical researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of the DNA

Sequence. 

• CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) are short DNA sequences found in the genome of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria, which are reminders of previous bacteriophage (viruses) attacks that the bacteria successfully defended against

Statement 3 is incorrect: Scientists can use the DNA repair machinery to introduce changes to one or

more genes in the genome of a cell of interest. 

• It has many applications in agriculture, genetic research, medical treatment and therapeutic cloning.
• In Therapeutic Cloning, embryonic cells are cloned through CRISPR Cas9 technique to obtain biological organs for transplantation.

Ans: C

Exp:

Recently, the Kerala government issued an alert in the State against West Nile fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, after one death

Statement 1 is incorrect: The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne, single-stranded RNA virus. Culex species of mosquitoes act as the principal vectors for transmission. 

• It is transmitted by infected mosquitoes between and among humans and animals, including birds, which are the reservoir host of the virus.Malaria is transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The West Nile virus, which causes potentially dangerous diseases of the central nervous system in human beings.

•  About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

Statement 3 is incorrect: The virus may get injected into humans and animals during later blood meals (when mosquito bites). Therein, WNV can multiply and possibly cause illness.

• No instance of transmission by contact with infected humans or animals has been reported.
• According to the World Health Organization, no human-to-human transmission of WNV through casual contact has been reported till date.

Ans: B

Exp:

To revive the population of tigers in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) Mahrashtra’s  forest department will soon translocate tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur district.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The reserve spreads over Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, forming the northern portion, and Chandoli National Park, forming the southern part of the reserve. 

• STR was created by merging the areas of these two forests in 2007.

Statement 2 is correct: The forest cover here is that of moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist, and dry deciduous vegetation. 

• There are many medicinal and fruit-bearing trees along with the commercial hard wood trees in the reserve.

Statement 3 is correct: The most distinct feature of the Tiger Reserve is the presence of numerous barren rocky and lateritic plateaus, locally called “Sadas”, with less perennial vegetation and overhanging cliffs on the edges, along with numerous fallen boulders with dense thorny bushes.

Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focused on assessing country landscapes, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting biofuel workshops.

Statement 1 is correct: GBA aims to reshape the global landscape and expedite uptake of biofuels worldwide.

•  It also hopes to set standards for biofuel, expand the size of formal biofuel markets and better map demand and supply.

Statement 2 is incorrect: India and Brazil are the main drivers at the GBA. “Beyond the initial interest evinced by all stakeholders since the GBA was formed, a major push to the initiative has been given by Brazil, as part of the current G20 chair. 

Statement 3 is incorrect: While it remains without a charter, or a permanent secretariat, the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focused on assessing country landscapes, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting biofuel workshops, petroleum and natural gas.

Ans: D

Exp:

Recently, research has found people with schizophrenia may be at greater risk of succumbing to heat-related deaths than those with kidney or heart disease

Option D is correct: Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. 

• People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends.