Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 1st August 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient viral infections that have integrated into the human genome. Recent research suggests that these ERVs, often referred to as 'zombie' regions, make up around 8% of the human genome. When these retroviruses infect germ cells, their genetic material can be passed down to the next generation, becoming a permanent part of the host's DNA. These ERVs are essentially inactive viral sequences within the genome that no longer produce functional viruses but persist as embedded genetic fossils.

1. Rudraprayag: Uttarakhand - Correct. Rudraprayag is a district in Uttarakhand.

2. Malappuram: Karnataka - Incorrect. Malappuram is a district in Kerala, not Karnataka.

3. Udham Singh: Assassinated Brigadier Reginald Dyer - Incorrect. Udham Singh assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, not Brigadier Reginald Dyer.

4. Wayanad: Kerala - Correct. Wayanad is a district in Kerala.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement 1: India is positioning itself as a mediator in the Ukrainian conflict. This statement is correct. India has emphasized the significance of peace and dialogue, aiming to enhance its global stature by positioning itself as a mediator in the Ukrainian conflict.

Statement 2: The conflict in Ukraine has necessitated a reevaluation of India's engagement with European security. This statement is also correct. The conflict has indeed thrust Europe into the forefront of India's international priorities, prompting India to reassess its approach to European geopolitics and security.

Statement 3: India's balance in relations with Russia and the West is not influenced by historical defense and energy ties with Russia. This statement is incorrect. India's relations with Russia are significantly influenced by historical bonds, particularly in defense and energy sectors, which remain crucial for India, especially amid heightened imports of discounted Russian oil.

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

The primary objective of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission is to enhance the productivity of bovines and increase sustainable milk production using advanced technologies. This mission aims to genetically upgrade the bovine population, propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding, expand artificial insemination coverage, and promote scientific conservation of indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing. By focusing on these objectives, the mission seeks to benefit small and marginal farmers as well as empower women actively engaged in livestock farming tasks.

1. The first statement is incorrect. Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient viral infections, not bacterial infections, that have integrated into the genome of the host species. Retroviruses have the unique ability to integrate their genetic material into the host genome, a process not characteristic of bacteria.

2. The second statement is correct. Syncytins are indeed genes derived from ERVs and play a crucial role in the development of the placenta in mammals. These genes originally came from viruses and were integrated into the mammalian genome during evolution.

3. The third statement is also correct. ERVs do play a role in cell-type differentiation and embryo development. For example, MERVL-gag, derived from an ERV, is significant for the production of pluripotent stem cells which can differentiate into various cell types.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 2 and 3 Only.

The conflict in Ukraine holds significance for both India and Europe due to its potential impact on India's security and economy. Understanding the implications of this conflict is crucial for India as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, especially concerning its relationships with key global players like Russia, the US, and China. By recognizing the repercussions of the conflict, India can strategically position itself in the evolving global landscape to safeguard its interests and contribute to international stability.

Statement-I correctly defines Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) as remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the host species' genome. Statement-II accurately describes zombie regions in the genome as inactive viral sequences that no longer produce functional viruses but remain as genetic fossils. Furthermore, Statement-II explains the concept of zombie regions within the context of ERVs, indicating that it is a correct explanation of ERVs. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides a clear explanation of Statement-I.

1. Gopal Ratna Awards - Farmers maintaining the best herd of Indigenous Breed: This pair is correctly matched. The Gopal Ratna Awards are indeed for farmers who maintain the best herd of Indigenous Breed and practice best management practices.

2. Kamdhenu Awards - Best-managed Indigenous herd by Individual Farmers: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Kamdhenu Awards are for the best-managed Indigenous herd by Institutions/Trusts/NGOs/Gaushalas or best-managed Breeders’ societies, not individual farmers.

3. Gokul Grams - Integrated cattle development centers: This pair is correctly matched. Gokul Grams are indeed integrated cattle development centers focusing on promoting indigenous cattle rearing and conservation in a scientific manner.

4. National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre - Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Breeds: This pair is correctly matched. The National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC) is a Centre of Excellence for the holistic and scientific development and conservation of Indigenous Breeds.

So, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option C: Only three pairs.

1. Syncytins - Genes crucial for placental development: Correct. Syncytins are indeed genes thought to have descended from Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) and are crucial for placental development.

2. MERVL-gag - Transition crucial for producing pluripotent stem cells: Correct. MERVL-gag is derived from an ERV, and this transition is crucial for producing pluripotent stem cells capable of forming different cell types.

3. Integrase - Enzyme that facilitates reverse transcription: Incorrect. Integrase is an enzyme that facilitates the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. The enzyme that facilitates reverse transcription is reverse transcriptase.

4. ERVs - Remnants of ancient bacterial infections: Incorrect. ERVs (Endogenous Retroviruses) are remnants of ancient viral infections, not bacterial infections, that have integrated into the genome of the host species.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

All three statements provided about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission are correct:

1. Enhancing Productivity and Sustainable Milk Production: The mission aims to enhance the productivity of bovines and increase sustainable milk production using advanced technologies. This is a core objective of the mission to improve the genetic quality and productivity of the bovine population.

2. Gokul Grams: These are integrated cattle development centers established under the mission to promote indigenous cattle rearing and conservation in a scientific manner. This initiative is significant for the holistic development and conservation of indigenous breeds.

3. Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRI): This initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission provides trained manpower for delivering quality artificial insemination services at farmers’ doorsteps, which is essential for the genetic improvement of the bovine population.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D