Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 23rd October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary function of the cornea is to refract or bend light that enters the eye, playing a crucial role in focusing most of the light onto the retina. This process is essential for clear vision. The unique shape and transparency of the cornea aid in focusing light precisely, allowing us to see objects clearly.

(Note: The cornea acts like the outer lens of the eye, responsible for focusing light onto the retina, which then sends visual information to the brain for interpretation.)

This question tests the understanding of basic eye anatomy and the function of the cornea in vision.

1. India Meteorological Department (IMD) - Daily weather forecasting: Correct. The IMD is responsible for issuing daily weather forecasts and warnings,

2. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) - Research on tropical weather and climate: Correct. IITM focuses on research related to tropical weather and climate, including cloud physics as part of Mission Mausam.

3. National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) - Daily weather forecasts and warnings: Incorrect. NCMRWF specializes in medium-range weather forecasting, not daily forecasts and warnings.

4. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) - Ocean and polar research: Incorrect. INCOIS is involved in ocean information services, not specifically in polar research, which is more aligned with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).

Thus, pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, while pairs 3and 4 are not.

1. Clostridioides difficile - This bacterium is primarily associated with healthcare settings, especially affecting older adults in hospitals and long-term care facilities. It is not mainly known for causing infections outside such settings. This pair is incorrectly matched.

2. Korowai Tribe - The Korowai tribe is indeed known for constructing treehouses, some of which can reach heights of up to 45 meters. This pair is correctly matched.

3. BRICS - BRICS initially consisted of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was not six initially. This pair is incorrectly matched.

4. Madarsa Education Act 2004 - The Allahabad High Court declared the Madarsa Education Act unconstitutional in March 2024, not the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court reserved its judgement on the matter later. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Thus, only the second pair is correctly matched.

To determine the correctness of the statements, let's analyze each one:

Statement 1: This statement is correct. SPADEX is indeed an initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) focused on developing autonomous docking technology. The mission involves two spacecraft, referred to as the 'Chaser' and the 'Target', which will engage in docking maneuvers in orbit.

Statement 2: This statement is also correct. The SPADEX experiment aims to showcase essential capabilities such as assembling space stations and refueling spacecraft, which are critical for future space missions. These objectives highlight the importance of docking systems in space operations.

Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. SPADEX is not the first successful autonomous space docking experiment conducted worldwide. The first successful automated docking was achieved by the Soviet Union in 1967 with the Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188 missions, which were unmanned. Therefore, while SPADEX is significant for India, it is not a global first in this technology.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as both Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is not.

The main goal of the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) by ISRO is to develop indigenous docking technology. This experiment represents a significant advancement in ISRO's efforts towards creating autonomous docking technology, focusing on assessing spacecraft stability and control after docking in outer space. By emphasizing indigenous, scalable, and cost-efficient docking technologies, ISRO aims to showcase essential capabilities in precision, navigation, and control critical for future missions.

Statement-I correctly describes the SPADEX mission by ISRO involving two vehicles for autonomous docking in outer space. Statement-II accurately describes the Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, highlighting its geographic spread and district coverage. Both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II provides additional information about a different subject, hence explaining Statement-I. Thus, option (a) is the correct choice.

- Statement 1 is incorrect. Clostridioides difficile infections primarily impact older adults, especially those in healthcare facilities or long-term care environments, rather than young children. The risk is higher in individuals who have recently used antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal gut flora.

- Statement 2 is correct. The bacterium can spread in healthcare settings, often through the hands of healthcare workers who may inadvertently transfer the bacteria from one patient to another.

- Statement 3 is correct. Fecal transplants are indeed a treatment option for recurrent C. difficile infections. This procedure involves transferring stool containing healthy bacteria from a donor into the patient’s colon to help restore a healthy balance of gut flora.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

The innovative mRNA technology employed in the vaccine against Clostridioides difficile bacteria primarily aims to enhance the immune response against bacterial infections. This technology functions by instructing cells in the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response, thus preparing the immune system to recognize and combat the bacteria effectively.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Mission Mausam indeed aims to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of weather and climate forecasts through the use of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning. This aligns with the mission's objective of improving weather prediction accuracy.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) plays a significant role in research related to tropical weather and climate, the responsibility for issuing daily weather forecasts and warnings primarily lies with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), not IITM. Therefore, this statement does not accurately represent the roles assigned under Mission Mausam.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The new cloud chamber at IITM Pune will indeed incorporate convection properties, which are essential for the study of monsoon-related phenomena. This advanced setup will allow for a detailed examination of cloud dynamics pertinent to the Indian monsoon.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the correct choice.

The correct answer is (c) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct.

• Statement-I is correct. Researchers are indeed developing vaccines against Clostridioides difficile using mRNA technology, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Statement-II is also correct. The Korowai tribe of Papua has historically been associated with cannibalism, though this practice has largely declined in recent years.