Test: Indian Society and Social Issues MCQs (August 2024 Current Affairs) - UPSC MCQ

Lyme disease is primarily transmitted to humans through tick bites, specifically by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. These ticks can transfer the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease while feeding on the host's blood. It is essential to be cautious in areas where ticks are prevalent to prevent infection.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) awards introduced in 2024 primarily aim at recognizing and promoting significant contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin, whether based in India or abroad. These awards are designed to celebrate individuals who have made impactful advancements through research, innovation, or discoveries that positively influence Indian communities and society.

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) in India serves as the apex organization for organ procurement and distribution at the national level. It plays a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing organ transplant activities, ensuring ethical practices, and promoting organ donation to meet the growing demand for organs in the country.

The correct answer is Option D. Statement-I is incorrect because the UPS guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month for those retiring after a minimum of 10 years of service, not 15 years. Statement-II is correct as under the NPS, employees contribute 10% of their basic pay and DA, while the government contributes 14%.

1. Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS): Correctly matched. AIS is indeed a genetic condition in which an individual with XY chromosomes is resistant to male hormones (androgens), leading to the development of female physical traits despite having male genetic makeup.

2. Klinefelter Syndrome: Correctly matched. Klinefelter Syndrome is a chromosomal condition in males characterized by an extra X chromosome (XXY). It results in symptoms such as reduced testosterone levels, infertility, and various developmental differences.

3. Turner Syndrome: Incorrectly matched. Turner Syndrome is not caused by an extra X chromosome (XXX). It is actually caused by the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome (45,X or 45,X0), leading to short stature, infertility, and various physical and developmental abnormalities.

4. Swyer Syndrome: Correctly matched. Swyer Syndrome is a condition where individuals have XY chromosomes but develop female reproductive structures because their gonads (ovaries or testes) are non-functional and do not produce sex hormones.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

1. Incorrect: Lyme disease is not caused by a virus but by a bacterial infection, specifically by the Borrelia species of bacteria. This statement is therefore incorrect.

2. Correct: It is true that not every black-legged tick is a carrier of the Lyme bacteria. Only those ticks that are infected with the bacteria can transmit Lyme disease to humans.

3. Correct: Currently, there is no vaccine available for humans to prevent Lyme disease, although there are vaccinations available for dogs.

Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3 only.

1. Lyme disease - Bacterial infection caused by Borrelia species: Correct. Lyme disease is indeed a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia species.

2. Unified Pension Scheme - Guarantees government employees a pension post-retirement: Correct. The Unified Pension Scheme guarantees government employees a pension post-retirement.

3. Lyme disease - Transmitted by the common housefly: Incorrect. Lyme disease is transmitted by infected black-legged ticks, not by houseflies.

4. Unified Pension Scheme - Provides a minimum pension of Rs 5,000 per month after 10 years of service: Incorrect. The Unified Pension Scheme guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month after 10 years of service.

Thus, only the first and second pairs are correctly matched. So, the correct answer is "Option A: Only one pair."

The recent focus on the challenges faced by the Porja, Bagata, and Konda Dora tribes in Andhra Pradesh primarily revolves around critical shortages of electricity and clean water, particularly in areas near Visakhapatnam. These tribal communities, despite their historical contributions, are struggling with basic necessities like access to electricity and clean water, which highlights the pressing issues they are currently facing.

1. Vigyan Ratna - G. Padmanabhan: Correct. G. Padmanabhan received the Vigyan Ratna for his lifetime contributions to biological sciences.

2. Vigyan Yuva - Annapurni Subramaniam: Incorrect. Annapurni Subramaniam received the Vigyan Shri for her research on the formation and evolution of star clusters and galaxies.

3. Vigyan Shri - Vivek Polshettiwar: Incorrect. Vivek Polshettiwar was awarded the Vigyan Yuva for innovative nanomaterials that can help address challenges posed by climate change

4. Vigyan Team - Chandrayaan-3 Team: Incorrect. The Chandrayaan-3 Team  received the Vigyan Team award for their successful mission landing India's first spacecraft on the Moon.

Thus, only one pair is correctly matched

Statement 1 is incorrect: The International Day of Indigenous Peoples commemorates the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982, not New York.

Statement 2 is correct: According to the 2011 census, Scheduled Tribes (STs) constitute approximately 8.6% of India's total population.

Statement 3 is correct: Article 330 of the Indian Constitution indeed provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha.

Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3.

Statement-I is accurate as the text mentions that the RVP replaces previous science awards like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. Statement-II is also correct as per the information provided, stating that the RVP awards will be announced annually on National Space Day. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I but rather presents a separate fact. Thus, both statements are correct but do not have a direct explanatory relationship.

Statement-I correctly indicates that the International Day of Indigenous Peoples was recognized by the UN General Assembly in December 1994. Statement-II accurately states the theme for the 2024 International Day of Indigenous Peoples as "Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact." The theme aligns with the purpose of advocating for the rights of Indigenous communities globally, especially those in voluntary isolation. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional context that explains the significance of the theme in relation to the observance of the day.

Statement 1: The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) replaces the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize as an updated recognition system for scientific accomplishments. This statement is correct. The RVP has been introduced to create a more inclusive and contemporary system of recognition, replacing the older Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.

Statement 2: The RVP awards are announced annually on May 11, which is celebrated as National Space Day. This statement is incorrect. The RVP awards are announced annually on May 11, which is celebrated as National Technology Day, not National Space Day.

Statement 3: The Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award is intended for young scientists under the age of 45 who have made exceptional contributions in their fields. This statement is correct. The VY-SSB specifically aims to encourage and recognize the contributions of young scientists under 45.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C

Statement I correctly highlights the purpose of the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing the aim to address historical disadvantages and improve the efficacy of reservation policies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through sub-classification. Statement II accurately reflects the condition set by the Supreme Court, requiring states to base their sub-classification decisions on factual evidence of historical discrimination rather than arbitrary or politically motivated factors. While both statements are individually correct, Statement II does not directly explain Statement I but rather provides an additional detail related to the court's directive for evidence-based decision-making. Thus, option A is the most appropriate choice where both statements are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I.

1. Porja Tribe - Known for traditional tattooing practices: Correct. The Porja tribe places significant importance on tattooing as part of their socio-religious identity.
2. Bagata Tribe - Practices shifting cultivation or Podu: Incorrect. It is the Porja tribe that practices shifting cultivation or Podu, not the Bagata tribe.
3. Konda Dora Tribe - Maintains a village council known as Kulam Panchayat: Correct. The Konda Dora tribe maintains a traditional governance system through a village council known as Kulam Panchayat.
4. Porja Tribe - Believes in supernatural elements including magic and witchcraft: Incorrect. It is the Bagata tribe that has beliefs in supernatural elements, including magic, witchcraft, and spirits.
Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.