Prelims Daily Quest - 21 September 2024

1.Consider the following statements regarding the Gaganyaan mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):

1. The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km.

2. The first uncrewed mission is expected to occur in December 2024, followed by three more missions.

3. The mission's ultimate vision includes building a space station by 2035 and landing an Indian on the moon by 2040.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km.Correct: This is a key objective of the Gaganyaan mission, which seeks to establish India's capability for human spaceflight.

2. Statement 2: The first uncrewed mission is expected to occur in December 2024, followed by three more missions.Correct: ISRO Chairman S. Somanath indicated that the first uncrewed mission is planned for December 2024, with subsequent missions to ensure readiness for the manned flight.

3. Statement 3: The mission's ultimate vision includes building a space station by 2035 and landing an Indian on the moon by 2040.Correct: This aligns with ISRO’s long-term goals as articulated by Somanath, emphasizing the ambition to establish a space station and future lunar missions.

Since all three statements are accurate, the correct answer is (b) 1, 2 and 3.

2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the term "criticality" in the context of nuclear reactors?

1. Criticality refers to the phase when a nuclear reactor is fully decommissioned and safe.

2. It indicates the point at which a fission chain reaction becomes self-sustaining in a nuclear reactor.

3. Criticality is achieved when a nuclear reactor produces more energy than it consumes.

4. It denotes the level of radioactivity in a nuclear reactor during operation.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect because criticality refers to the operational state of a reactor, not its decommissioning.

• Statement 2 is correct as it accurately describes criticality.

• Statement 3 is correct as it relates to the balance of energy in a self-sustaining reaction.

• Statement 4 is incorrect because criticality does not denote radioactivity levels.

3. With reference to the European Union Deforestation Regulations that come into effect on January 1, 2025, consider the following statements:

1. The Rubber Board of India is launching a portal to register exporters of natural rubber and rubber-based products.

2. Exporters to the EU will require a due diligence certificate to comply with these regulations.

3. India exported 3,500 tonnes of natural rubber last fiscal year.

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: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: All statements are correct. The Rubber Board is launching a portal for registering natural rubber exporters in response to EU Deforestation Regulations, which require a due diligence certificate for exports to the EU. Additionally, India exported 3,500 tonnes of natural rubber last fiscal year.

4. Which of the following statements regarding the Alzheimer's drugs lecanemab and donanemab is/are correct?

1. Both drugs represent significant advancements in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

2. They have been unanimously accepted and approved by all countries.

3. Their effectiveness is limited, reducing cognitive decline by approximately 30%.

4. Lecanemab is marketed under the name Leqembi, while donanemab is sold as Kisunla.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3, and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (c) 1, 3, and 4 only

Explanation:

1. Both drugs represent significant advancements in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: This is correct as lecanemab and donanemab are considered the most effective treatments for Alzheimer’s to date, marking progress after years of research.

2. They have been unanimously accepted and approved by all countries: This statement is incorrect. The approval of these drugs has been controversial, and different countries have taken varying stances on whether to approve them.

3. Their effectiveness is limited, reducing cognitive decline by approximately 30%: This statement is correct. Both drugs have shown to reduce cognitive decline by around 30% in patients at the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

4. Lecanemab is marketed under the name Leqembi, while donanemab is sold as Kisunla: This is correct. These are the commercial names for the respective drugs.

Thus, the correct statements are 1, 3, and 4, making option (c) the right choice.

5. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding recent performances of Indian athletes?

1. Malvika Bansod lost in the quarterfinals of the China Open to Akane Yamaguchi after defeating Gregoria Tunjung.

2. Dhanush Loganathan won a silver medal in the men’s 55kg event at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024.

3. India’s open team at the 45th Chess Olympiad secured a victory over Iran, while the women's team suffered its first loss to Poland.

Select the correct answer from the options below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Malvika Bansod's Performance: This statement is correct. Malvika Bansod lost in the quarterfinals of the China Open to two-time World Champion Akane Yamaguchi after defeating world number seven Gregoria Tunjung in the previous round.

2. Dhanush Loganathan's Medal: This statement is incorrect. Dhanush Loganathan secured a bronze medal, not silver, in the men’s 55kg event at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024.

3. India’s Chess Olympiad Performance: This statement is correct. The Indian open team triumphed over Iran with a score of 3.5 to 0.5, while the women's team faced its first loss against Poland, leading to a three-way tie for the top spot.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making option B the right choice.