Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 13th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The correct answer is C: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

• Statement-I is incorrect: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three individuals—John Jumper, Demis Hassabis, and David Baker—for their collective contributions to computational methods in protein structure prediction. The award was not given to John Jumper alone​.

• Statement-II is correct: Demis Hassabis and John Jumper co-developed AlphaFold, a tool that predicts protein structures. While the statement references AlphaFold 3, AlphaFold 2 has been widely recognized, and it predicts protein structures with high accuracy, including interactions with other molecules. There is no official mention of an AlphaFold 3, but the concept of protein interactions aligns with AlphaFold's current capabilities​

The primary objective of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and to help restore peace and security in the region. UNIFIL was established in 1978 following Israel's invasion of Lebanon and has since played a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region by monitoring and facilitating the withdrawal of foreign forces.

The correct choice is B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Statement-I is correct. Water chestnut, also known as Singhara ka atta, thrives as an aquatic vegetable in Wular Lake in Kashmir, where it is a significant agricultural product and dietary component. It is harvested extensively in this region and processed into various forms, including flour.

Statement-II is also correct. Trachoma is indeed a bacterial infection that affects the eyes and is a significant cause of preventable blindness among children in certain endemic regions. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and can lead to irreversible blindness if not treated properly​

However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as the two statements address entirely different subjects with no direct link between them.

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. While AlphaFold has made significant advancements in predicting the 3D structures of proteins with remarkable accuracy, it does not entirely solve the 'protein-folding problem.' It predicts structures but does not fully explain the reasons behind a protein's preferred structure. Human analysis is still necessary for interpreting why proteins fold in specific ways.

2. Statement 2 is correct. AlphaFold has indeed revolutionized the field by predicting protein structures rapidly, which has greatly sped up research efforts. It allows scientists to understand protein structures within hours, which can lead to quick advancements in various fields, including medicine and chemistry.

3. Statement 3 is correct. The ability to design proteins has led to significant real-world applications. For instance, David Baker's team has developed an antiviral nasal spray targeting the COVID-19 spike protein, and new enzymes have been designed for critical chemical reactions, including those for producing pharmaceuticals like atorvastatin and vitamin B6.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D, as statements 2 and 3 are correct while statement 1 is not.

1. David Baker - Developed AlphaFold: Incorrect. David Baker is known for his work in protein design but did not develop AlphaFold. AlphaFold was developed by DeepMind, which is associated with Demis Hassabis and John Jumper.

2. Demis Hassabis - Co-founder of DeepMind: Correct. Demis Hassabis is indeed a co-founder of DeepMind, the organization that developed AlphaFold.

3. John Jumper - Led AlphaFold 3 development: Correct. John Jumper led the development of AlphaFold 3, which predicts protein structures and their interactions.

4. John Kendrew - Awarded Nobel Prize for hemoglobin structure using X-ray crystallography: Correct. John Kendrew, along with Max Perutz, was awarded the Nobel Prize for elucidating the 3D structure of proteins like hemoglobin using X-ray crystallography.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 2, 3, and 4.

One of the primary advantages of synthetic medical images is that they can be generated without using actual patient data, thereby enhancing patient privacy and data protection. This is particularly important in healthcare settings where patient confidentiality is critical. Synthetic images allow for training and testing of medical imaging algorithms without the risk of exposing sensitive patient information.

1. Water Chestnut - Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa: This pair is correctly matched. Water chestnut, also known as water caltrops, is indeed native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

2. Trachoma - Caused by a virus: This pair is incorrectly matched. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, not a virus.

3. Shale Gas Extraction - Utilizes hydraulic fracturing: This pair is correctly matched. Shale gas extraction commonly uses a technique called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to release gas from shale formations.

4. Komodo Dragon - Endemic to Australia: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Komodo dragon is endemic to Komodo Island and other islands in the Lesser Sunda archipelago of Indonesia, not Australia.

Thus, two pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1 and 3.

- Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. While water chestnuts, known as "Singhara ka atta" in India, are indeed popular, they are not rich in sodium and fat. Instead, water chestnuts are low in sodium and fat, and they are rich in potassium and carbohydrates. The incorrect aspect here is the mention of sodium and fat content.

- Statement 2: This statement is correct. In Kashmir, the sturdy dried outer shells of water chestnuts are indeed used as fuel in traditional fire pots known as kangri, which are used during the winter months.

- Statement 3: This statement is correct. Water chestnuts are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in some regions, they are known as water caltrops. This statement accurately reflects the geographical origin and alternative name of the plant.

The Tele MANAS initiative aims to offer free tele-mental health support throughout India, particularly focusing on underserved regions. By establishing a comprehensive and integrated 24/7 tele-mental health service, it seeks to improve access to mental health care, especially for individuals who may not have the means or ability to visit physical health facilities. An interesting fact about this initiative is that it operates through a two-tier system, incorporating both trained counselors and specialists to ensure a broad range of mental health services.