Prelims Daily Quest - 22 September 2024

1.Which of the following pathogens was identified as the most common in clinical samples according to the ICMR Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (AMRSN) report for 2023?

1. Staphylococcus aureus

2. Escherichia coli

3. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

4. Klebsiella pneumoniae

Select the correct answer from the options below:

a) 1 and 2

b) 2 and 4

c) 3 and 4

d) 1 and 3

Answer: b) 2 and 4

Explanation:

According to the ICMR Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (AMRSN) report for 2023, the pathogens identified as most commonly isolated from clinical samples include Escherichia coli (30.74% in outpatient samples and 22.75% in inpatient samples) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.63% in outpatient samples and 16.21% in inpatient samples). These bacteria are notable for their role in various infections, including urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections, and have shown increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. While Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are significant pathogens, their isolation rates were lower than those of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, making options 2 and 4 the correct answer. The report underscores the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings across India.

2. Which of the following statements about the Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) Foundation's newly launched portal is/are correct?

1. The portal will provide integrated data on DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients.

2. It is inspired by the U.S.-based Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and aims to promote data sharing among institutions.

3. The initial data set consists of over 500 breast cancer patients from the start.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: The portal will provide integrated data on DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients.

   • This statement is correct . The portal aims to offer comprehensive data on breast cancer patients, integrating various biological profiles.

2. Statement 2: It is inspired by the U.S.-based Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and aims to promote data sharing among institutions.

   • This statement is also correct. The ICGA initiative takes inspiration from the TCGA, emphasizing the importance of data sharing to foster collaboration and research in cancer treatment.

3. Statement 3: The initial data set consists of over 500 breast cancer patients from the start.

   • This statement is incorrect. The portal currently includes data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 patients in the coming year.

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

3. Which of the following statements is true regarding the recent attacks using pagers in Lebanon?

1. The pagers used in the attacks are advanced modern communication devices.

2. Pagers are considered less susceptible to surveillance compared to smartphones.

3. The attacks were attributed to sophisticated hacking of cellular networks.

4. Hezbollah has completely abandoned the use of digital communication due to security concerns.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 2 and 4 only

D) 1, 3, and 4 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: The pagers used in the attacks are advanced modern communication devices.

   • False. Pagers are considered low-tech gadgets, which were previously overshadowed by smartphones and other modern devices.

2. Statement 2: Pagers are considered less susceptible to surveillance compared to smartphones.

   • True. Pagers lack GPS and internet connectivity, making them harder to track and less vulnerable to high-tech surveillance techniques.

3. Statement 3: The attacks were attributed to sophisticated hacking of cellular networks.

   • True. The attackers manipulated pagers, which may have involved intercepting and modifying them, highlighting a sophisticated operational approach rather than relying on direct hacking of cellular networks.

4. Statement 4: Hezbollah has completely abandoned the use of digital communication due to security concerns.

   • False. While Hezbollah may have used pagers for security reasons, they have not completely abandoned digital communication.

Thus, the correct answer is B) 2 and 3 only.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the Nipah virus:

1. The Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contaminated fruits eaten by bats.

2. Healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting the virus through human-to-human transmission.

3. There have been six documented outbreaks of Nipah virus in Kerala since 2018.

   
   

   Which of the above statements are correct?

   
   

   (a) 1 and 2 only

   
   

   (b) 2 and 3 only

   
   

   (c) 1, 2, and 3

   
   

   (d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated fruits or food that have been in contact with bat saliva or urine. This highlights the zoonotic nature of the virus.

2. Statement 2: Correct. Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with the secretions and excretions of an infected person, which poses a significant risk to healthcare workers, family members, and friends.

3. Statement 3: Correct. Kerala has experienced six documented outbreaks of Nipah virus since 2018, underscoring the persistence of this zoonotic disease in the region.

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

5. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of antibiotics on intestinal health:

1. Antibiotics can damage the intestinal mucus barrier, leading to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

2. The effects of vancomycin on mucus secretion are dependent on the gut microbiota.

3. TUDCA treatment can reverse mucus secretion defects induced by antibiotics.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(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. Statement 1: Correct. The study found that antibiotics can damage the integrity of the mucus barrier in the intestines, leading to increased contact between microbes and host tissues, which may predispose individuals to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The study concluded that the effects of vancomycin on mucus secretion occur in a microbiota-independent manner. This means that the damage to the mucus barrier is not reliant on the presence of gut microbiota.

3. Statement 3: Correct. The study indicates that TUDCA treatment can alleviate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in goblet cells, thereby restoring mucus secretion impaired by vancomycin treatment.

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

6. Which of the following statements about volcanic hotspots and Earth's mantle is/are correct?

1. Lavas from hotspots originate from a uniform reservoir in Earth's mantle.

2. The chemical composition of lavas is determined before they reach the surface.

3. Understanding the mantle's composition is essential for studying Earth's formation and development.

Select the correct answer using the code 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. Lavas from hotspots originate from a uniform reservoir in Earth's mantle.

   • This statement is correct. Research indicates that lavas from various hotspots, such as Hawaii and Iceland, originate from a consistent and uniform reservoir within the Earth's mantle.

2. The chemical composition of lavas is determined before they reach the surface.

   • This statement is incorrect. The study suggests that lavas acquire their chemical characteristics on their way to the surface, meaning their final composition is influenced by various factors during their ascent.

3. Understanding the mantle's composition is essential for studying Earth's formation and development.

   • This statement is correct. Knowledge of the mantle's composition helps scientists understand how the Earth formed and how its mantle has evolved over geological time.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making the answer (b) 1 and 3 only.

7. Which of the following statements regarding the Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0 scheme announced by the Income Tax Department is/are correct?

1. The scheme provides lesser settlement amounts for taxpayers who file declarations on or before December 31, 2024.

2. It distinguishes between 'new appellants' and 'old appellants' in terms of settlement amounts.

3. The scheme is applicable only to disputes related to direct taxes.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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. Correct Statement 1: The Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0 scheme indeed provides lesser settlement amounts for taxpayers who file declarations on or before December 31, 2024. This is a key feature designed to encourage prompt resolution of tax disputes.

2. Correct Statement 2: The scheme distinguishes between 'new appellants' and 'old appellants' regarding settlement amounts, with different terms applied to each category.

3. Incorrect Statement 3: The scheme is specifically aimed at resolving pending appeals in income tax disputes. However, it is not limited solely to disputes related to direct taxes; it encompasses a broader scope of tax-related appeals, including certain indirect tax disputes as well.

Thus, options 1 and 2 are correct, making the answer A) 1 and 2 only.