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

Vancomycin operates by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, a crucial mechanism in combating MRSA infections. By disrupting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, Vancomycin effectively targets and neutralizes gram-positive bacteria like MRSA. This specific mode of action has been pivotal in the treatment of severe MRSA infections over the past four decades.

1. Vancomycin Classification and Mechanism: Vancomycin is indeed classified as a glycopeptide antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, making it particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA. This statement is correct.

2. vanA Operon and Fitness Cost: The acquisition of the vanA operon by S. aureus allows it to resist vancomycin. However, this resistance often comes at a cost of slower growth, reducing its virulence. This implies a significant fitness cost for the bacteria. Therefore, this statement is incorrect because it overlooks the fitness cost associated with resistance.

3. Emergence and Adaptation of VRSA: When MRSA develops resistance to vancomycin, it results in vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA). Research indicates that VRSA can retain its resistance and adapt even without the presence of vancomycin, overcoming the fitness cost associated with resistance. This statement is correct.

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

MAITRI, or Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific, primarily aims to enhance the maritime capabilities of Quad partners. By focusing on capacity building and training personnel from partner nations, MAITRI seeks to improve their ability to monitor and secure their maritime territories effectively. This initiative encourages closer collaboration among Quad countries in maritime security, which is crucial given the escalating tensions in regions like the South China Sea.

Estimating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in countries like India primarily focuses on accurately reflecting economic changes through the utilization of various datasets. This process aims to provide a precise representation of the country's economic output and growth, ensuring that policy decisions are based on reliable and up-to-date information.

1. Quad Cancer Moonshot: Correctly matched. It targets the fight against cervical cancer, with India committing $10 million to screening efforts.

2. Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: Correctly matched. This mission is set to commence in 2025 to improve interoperability and maritime safety among Quad nations.

3. Logistics Network Pilot Project: Incorrectly matched. This project is intended to enable sharing of airlift capacity among Quad countries to bolster disaster response efforts, not training Quad partners to monitor their waters.

4. Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): Incorrectly matched. MAITRI is focused on training Quad partners to effectively monitor and secure their waters, enforce maritime laws, and deter unlawful activities, not sharing airlift capacity.

Hence, pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

Statement-I incorrectly describes the focus of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, which actually targets the fight against cervical cancer, not prostate cancer. On the other hand, Statement-II inaccurately portrays the goals of MAITRI, as it is centered on enhancing maritime capabilities rather than cybersecurity capacities. Therefore, Statement-I is correct in part, while Statement-II is entirely incorrect.

1. MCA-21 database: Introduced in 2011-12 revision - Correct. The MCA-21 database was indeed introduced in the 2011-12 GDP series revision.

2. GST data: Proposed for future GDP estimation - Correct. The National Statistical Office (NSO) is contemplating using GST data for future GDP estimation.

3. ASI data: Replaced by MCA-21 in 2011-12 - Correct. The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data was replaced by the MCA-21 database in the 2011-12 revision of the GDP series.

4. RBI data samples: Currently used for GDP estimation - Incorrect. The RBI data samples were used before the 2011-12 revision but are not currently used for GDP estimation as they were replaced by the MCA-21 database.

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

Statement-I correctly highlights that India has the highest leased data centre capacity among emerging markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Statement-II correctly mentions that India may face competition from emerging markets and developed countries in attracting more data centres due to various factors like lower costs and incentives, without directly explaining the first statement. Hence, the correct answer is option (b).

- Statement 1 is correct: The National Statistical Office (NSO) is indeed contemplating the use of GST data for estimating GDP, aiming to replace the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' MCA-21 database. This change is intended to improve the accuracy of GDP estimates, particularly for the Private Corporate Sector (PCS), which constitutes about 38% of GDP.

- Statement 2 is correct: The MCA-21 database was introduced in the last revision of the GDP series in 2011-12. It replaced the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and RBI data samples due to their limitations in capturing the full extent of value addition outside factories and the growing Private Corporate Sector.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: The use of GST data for GDP estimation has not been universally accepted. There are concerns regarding the GST dataset's validation for policy research. Therefore, the NSO has been advised to conduct pilot studies to ensure the reliability of GST data for GDP estimation.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

All three statements given are correct and accurately reflect the initiatives discussed during the recent Quad summit:

1. Quad Cancer Moonshot: This initiative indeed targets the fight against cervical cancer, with India committing $10 million to screening efforts. This demonstrates India's commitment to addressing public health issues within the Quad framework.

2. Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): This initiative focuses on enhancing the maritime capabilities of Quad partners by training personnel from partner nations. By improving their ability to monitor and secure their maritime territories effectively, MAITRI aims to ensure regional stability and enhance cooperation among Quad members.

3. Logistics Network Pilot Project: This project is designed to enable the sharing of airlift capacity among Quad countries to bolster disaster response efforts throughout the region. This initiative underscores the Quad's commitment to collaborative disaster response and regional stability.

Thus, all the statements are correct, making Option D the appropriate answer.