Prelims Daily Quest - 12 September 2024

1.With reference to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), consider the following statements:

1. The scheme provides a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per year for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income.

2. Eligible senior citizens under the scheme will receive a new distinct card for health coverage.

3. Senior citizens already covered by other public health insurance schemes like CGHS or ECHS must switch to AB PM-JAY to receive benefits.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been extended to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, providing them with ₹5 lakh of health insurance cover per year, regardless of their income.

2. Statement 2: Correct. Eligible senior citizens will be issued a new distinct card under the AB PM-JAY scheme, which will facilitate their access to the benefits of the program.

3. Statement 3: Incorrect. Senior citizens who are already covered by other public health insurance schemes like CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) or ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) have the option to either continue with their existing scheme or choose AB PM-JAY. They are not required to switch to AB PM-JAY.

Therefore, the correct answer is a) 1 and 2 only.

2. Mission Mausam, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to advance various aspects of atmospheric sciences. Which of the following statements about Mission Mausam is/are correct?

1. Mission Mausam has been allocated ₹2,000 crore over a period of two years.

2. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will not be responsible for implementing Mission Mausam.

3. Key components of Mission Mausam include deploying next-generation radars and satellite systems.

a) 1 and 3 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: Correct. Mission Mausam has indeed been allocated ₹2,000 crore over two years.

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will be the nodal body responsible for implementing Mission Mausam.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The mission includes the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems as critical elements.

Thus, the correct answer is a) 1 and 3 only.

3. INS Malpe and INS Mulki are newly launched anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft vessels by the Indian Navy. These vessels are part of the Mahe-class series and are designed for various maritime operations.

Which of the following features are associated with INS Malpe and INS Mulki?

1. Maximum speed of 25 knots

2. Endurance of 1,800 nautical miles

3. Equipped with indigenously developed sonar

4. Designed to replace the Abhay-class ASW corvettes

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A) 1, 2, and 3 only

B) 2, 3, and 4 only

C) 1, 3, and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Explanation:

1. Maximum speed of 25 knots: INS Malpe and INS Mulki are designed to sail at a maximum speed of 25 knots, which aligns with their operational requirements for anti-submarine warfare.

2. Endurance of 1,800 nautical miles: The vessels have an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles, allowing them to operate effectively over extended periods and distances in coastal waters.

3. Equipped with indigenously developed sonar: The Mahe-class vessels, including INS Malpe and INS Mulki, are designed to fit indigenously developed sonar systems for underwater surveillance, reflecting India's focus on self-reliance in defense technology.

4. Designed to replace the Abhay-class ASW corvettes: These vessels are intended to replace the existing Abhay-class ASW corvettes, which have been serving in the Indian Navy, thereby modernizing the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Each of these features is integral to the design and operational capability of the INS Malpe and INS Mulki, making option D the correct answer.

4. Consider the following statements regarding recent advancements in the study of the photoelectric effect:

1. The photoelectric effect was first explained by Albert Einstein in 1905 and is crucial for solar cell technology.

2. Modern research utilizing ultrashort light pulses and attosecond physics has provided new insights into electron behavior at extremely short timescales.

3. Recent studies in the X-ray regime have demonstrated unexpectedly small photoionisation delays in electron emissions from atoms, which are unrelated to effects like shape resonance and multi-electron scattering.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. Albert Einstein first explained the photoelectric effect in 1905, which is indeed vital for solar cell technology.

• Statement 2: Correct. Modern research with ultrashort light pulses and attosecond physics has provided new insights into electron behavior at extremely short timescales.

• Statement 3: Incorrect. Recent studies in the X-ray regime have shown unexpectedly large photoionisation delays, not small ones, and these delays are linked to complex effects such as shape resonance and multi-electron scattering.

5. Which of the following statements about the Ni-kshay Mitra scheme is/are correct?

1. It is a scheme focused on providing monetary incentives to healthcare professionals for tuberculosis (TB) treatment.

2. The scheme aims to improve the detection and treatment rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

3. Ni-kshay Mitra is a scheme implemented exclusively in rural areas to enhance TB care.

4. It involves community support, including financial, nutritional, and social aid, to individuals undergoing TB treatment.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) 1 and 2

b) 2 and 4

c) 3 and 4

d) 1 and 3

Answer: b) 2 and 4

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Ni-kshay Mitra scheme does not focus on providing monetary incentives to healthcare professionals but on community support for TB patients.

• Statement 2 is correct as the scheme contributes to improving the detection and treatment rates of TB, including MDR-TB.

• Statement 3 is incorrect since the scheme is not limited to rural areas but aims to support TB patients across various regions.

• Statement 4 is correct as the scheme involves community support, including financial, nutritional, and social aid for TB patients.

6. Consider the following statements regarding Organ-on-Chip Technology:

1. It is a micro-device designed to replicate the functions of a human organ in a laboratory environment.

2. Organ-on-Chip technology can replace animal models used in drug testing.

3. This technology is only applicable to testing drugs on single organs and cannot simulate multiple organs simultaneously.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct. Organ-on-Chip technology involves creating micro-devices that simulate the functions of human organs in a controlled laboratory setting. This technology allows researchers to observe and study the dynamic processes of organs in a way that mimics their real-life behavior.

2. Statement 2 is correct. Organ-on-Chip technology has the potential to replace or reduce the use of animal models in drug testing. By providing a more accurate representation of human organ functions, these devices can offer insights into drug efficacy and toxicity without relying on animal testing.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Organ-on-Chip technology is not limited to simulating single organs. Advances in this field have led to the development of multi-organ chips that can simulate interactions between different organs, providing a more comprehensive understanding of drug effects across multiple systems in the body.

Thus, the correct answer is a) 1 and 2 only.

7. The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched by the Prime Minister of India, aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047. Which of the following statements are correct regarding sickle cell disease and the mission?

1. Sickle cell disease primarily affects individuals in the tribal regions of states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

2. The mission includes measures such as nationwide screening programs and the inclusion of hydroxyurea in the essential medicines list.

3. Challenges in the treatment of sickle cell disease include stigma, misdiagnosis, and inadequate access to medication.

4. The mission aims to enhance public awareness, improve health infrastructure, and strengthen healthcare in tribal areas.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2, and 3 only

(c) 2, 3, and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. Sickle cell disease is indeed concentrated in the tribal regions of the listed states.

• Statement 2: Correct. The mission includes nationwide screening and hydroxyurea in the essential medicines list.

• Statement 3: Correct. The treatment challenges include stigma, misdiagnosis, and limited medication access.

• Statement 4: Correct. The mission focuses on enhancing public awareness, improving health infrastructure, and addressing healthcare in tribal areas.

8. Consider the following statements regarding the recent concessions announced by the Sikkim government:

1. The Sikkim government has provided a 100% concession on bus fares for persons with over 40% disability.

2. Women belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are also eligible for a 100% concession on bus fares.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Sikkim government has announced a 100% concession on bus fares for persons with over 40% disability.

• Statement 2 is correct: The Sikkim government also extended a 100% concession on bus fares to women who belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

This initiative is aimed at supporting both people with disabilities (PWDs) and economically disadvantaged women, making transportation more accessible to them.

9. Consider the following statements:

1. Brazil’s Supreme Court suspended X's operations in August 2023 due to non-compliance with a court order related to an investigation into disinformation and far-right groups.

2. Mexico has become the first country to allow voters to elect judges at all levels to address judicial elitism, a reform pushed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

3. Afghanistan has announced the start of work on the $10-billion TAPI pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, aiming to enhance regional energy cooperation.

Which of the above statements are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:

1. Brazil’s Supreme Court suspended X's operations in August 2023: This statement is correct. The Supreme Court of Brazil suspended X (formerly known as Twitter) on August 30, 2023, because it failed to appoint a legal representative, which was required for a court investigation into the platform’s role in spreading disinformation linked to far-right groups after the 2022 elections. The suspension was partly due to Elon Musk’s defiance of court orders.

2. Mexico has become the first country to allow voters to elect judges at all levels: This statement is accurate. Mexico implemented a reform allowing voters to elect judges at all levels, a significant change championed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to combat judicial elitism and increase transparency in the judicial system.

3. Afghanistan has announced the start of work on the $10-billion TAPI pipeline: This is also correct. Afghanistan has begun work on the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline, which aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. This project, despite past delays and security concerns, is intended to boost regional energy cooperation and address energy needs.

10. Which of the following statements are correct regarding recent governmental initiatives in India?

a) The Union Cabinet approved 'Mission Mausam,' allocating ₹2,000 crore over two years to improve research and development, weather surveillance, and capacity in atmospheric sciences.

b) The Sikkim government announced a 100% concession on bus fares for persons with over 40% disability and women in the BPL category.

c) Both a) and b) are correct.

d) Neither a) nor b) is correct.

Answer: c) Both a) and b) are correct

Explanation:

• Statement a) is correct. The Union Cabinet indeed approved 'Mission Mausam' with an allocation of ₹2,000 crore over two years. This mission, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, focuses on enhancing research, weather surveillance, and capacity building in atmospheric sciences. It includes upgrading radars and satellite systems for improved weather modeling and forecasting.

• Statement b) is also correct. The Sikkim government has introduced a 100% concession on bus fares for individuals with over 40% disability and women in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, aiming to support these groups financially.