Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 16th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement 1 is correct. Zebrafish are indeed renowned for their regenerative capabilities. They can regenerate fins, heart, and even parts of their brain and spinal cord, making them a valuable model organism in scientific research.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Zebrafish are not native to Europe; they are primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. They inhabit slow-moving or still waters rather than fast-flowing streams.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The horizontal stripes of Zebrafish are not due to genetic mutations from space adaptation. Instead, these stripes are a natural characteristic of the species, resulting from pigment cells known as chromatophores. There is no evidence that space environments have influenced their striping.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A the right choice.

Statement-I is accurate because zebrafish indeed possess regenerative abilities, allowing them to regenerate various organs like the brain, heart, eyes, and spinal cord. This trait is well-documented in scientific research. Statement-II is also correct as zebrafish embryos are transparent, enabling researchers to conduct live imaging and observation of organ development within the organism. The transparency of zebrafish embryos is a significant advantage for studying their developmental processes, making both statements accurate and interconnected.

Statement-I mentions that zebrafish are small freshwater fish typically measuring between 2 to 3 cm in length and are commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. This statement is correct as per the general description of zebrafish. Statement-II states that the species derives its name from the distinctive horizontal blue stripes that stretch along its body. This statement is also correct as zebrafish are indeed named after the distinct blue stripes on their bodies, not their size or habitat.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Zebrafish have a remarkable ability to regenerate almost all their organs, including critical ones such as the brain and heart, which makes them a valuable model for developmental biology and regenerative medicine research.

2. Statement 2 is correct. Zebrafish are preferred over traditional rodent models for several reasons. Their embryos are optically clear, allowing researchers to observe developmental processes in real-time. Additionally, they are easy to breed and maintain, which reduces research costs and facilitates large-scale studies.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Zebrafish are not classified as endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are listed as "Least Concern," indicating that they are not currently at risk of extinction. This status reflects their widespread distribution and stable population in the wild.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Zebrafish: Least Concern - Correct. The IUCN classifies zebrafish as Least Concern, indicating that they are not currently at risk of extinction.

2. APEC: Founded in 1980 - Incorrect. APEC was established in 1989. Therefore, this pair is not correctly matched.

3. Zebrafish Embryos: Transparent - Correct. Zebrafish embryos are transparent, which allows for live imaging and observation during development.

4. APEC Member Economies: Total of 19 - Incorrect. APEC consists of 21 member economies, not 19.

The pairs that are correctly matched are 1 and 3. Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

- Statement 1 is correct. Avian Botulism is indeed caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, and wild birds are primarily affected by types C and E of these toxins. The disease results from birds ingesting the toxin, leading to paralysis and often death.

- Statement 2 is correct. Sambhar Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India and is situated in the districts of Nagaur and Jaipur in Rajasthan. It spans an area of over 200 square kilometers.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Environmental conditions such as elevated water temperatures and low oxygen levels can significantly influence the production of botulinum toxins. In the context of Sambhar Lake, such conditions could indeed enhance the likelihood of toxin production, leading to avian botulism outbreaks.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

The Putrajaya Vision 2040, endorsed by the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2021, focuses on three main priorities: open trade and investment, innovation and digitalization, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth. These priorities aim to shape the future direction of APEC member economies, emphasizing the importance of fostering economic development, promoting innovation, and ensuring sustainability and inclusivity in economic growth strategies.

Statement 1 is correct. Methamphetamine is indeed more potent than amphetamine because it allows significantly larger quantities to enter the brain at comparable dosages. This increased potency makes methamphetamine a more powerful stimulant and more dangerous in terms of potential for abuse and health risks.

Statement 2 is correct. Chronic use of methamphetamine can lead to severe psychotic symptoms, including paranoia, hallucinations (both auditory and visual), and delusions. These symptoms are a result of the drug's profound impact on the central nervous system and its ability to alter brain chemistry.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Methamphetamine was not initially used in the treatment of obesity. While methamphetamine has appetite-suppressing properties, its initial use was in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Its use for appetite suppression would be inappropriate due to its high potential for abuse and severe side effects.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the right answer.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was indeed established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Its purpose is to handle cases related to environmental protection and conservation. The NGT provides a mechanism for the expeditious resolution of disputes relating to environmental issues.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the NGT addresses environmental disputes, it does not have the authority to hear cases related to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, or the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The NGT’s jurisdiction is explicitly defined, and these laws are not included in the Schedule I of the NGT Act, which outlines its scope.

3. Statement 3 is correct. Orders and decisions from the NGT are indeed enforceable as decrees in civil courts. This means that its decisions carry the same weight as those made by a civil court, providing them with legal enforceability.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The main goal of the AI-enabled e-Tarang System introduced by the Ministry of Defence is to enhance the planning process for maintaining interference-free operation of defense equipment in both wartime and peacetime scenarios. This system facilitates automated and efficient planning and management of the Defence Spectrum, crucial for modern defense capabilities.