Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. It is passed down from parents to children through genes, meaning a person has to inherit the defective gene from both parents to develop the disease. SCD primarily affects the hemoglobin within red blood cells, which is responsible for carrying oxygen.
• SCD causes the body to produce an abnormal form of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and shaped like a sickle (crescent). These abnormal red blood cells can cause blockages in blood vessels and impair oxygen delivery to tissues.
• In SCD, the abnormal sickle-shaped cells are less efficient at carrying oxygen and can block blood flow, leading to oxygen deprivation in the body’s tissues and organs. This can result in pain, damage to organs, and serious health complications. (Option (c) is correct)
• Sickle cells can damage the spleen because their abnormal shape causes blockages in blood flow, leading to repeated spleen damage over time. This condition is called autosplenectomy, where the spleen eventually stops functioning. The spleen is important for fighting infections, so damage to the spleen increases susceptibility to infections in individuals with SCD.

Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/sickle-cell-disease & https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-sickle-cell-challenge/article68630935.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• New Approach Methods (NAMs) refer to innovative scientific techniques and approaches that serve as alternatives to traditional animal testing. These methods include in vitro (test tube) testing, computer modeling (in silico methods), and other non-animal-based techniques. They are being developed and used to reduce the reliance on animal testing, particularly in the fields of toxicology and pharmaceutical testing. (Option (a) is correct)
• Agricultural advancements are like precision farming and genetically modified crops, but these are unrelated to New Approach Methods (NAMs). (Option (b) is incorrect)
• While clean energy production involves innovative technologies like solar and wind energy, this is not associated with New Approach Methods (NAMs). (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Sustainable urban development focuses on financial models for infrastructure development, green buildings, and urban planning. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/organ-on-chip-tech-could-boost-bioe3-goal-to-personalise-medicine/article68629772.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Amazon rainforest is known as the “lungs of the Earth” because it plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. It is a major carbon sink and helps mitigate the effects of global climate change by storing large amounts of carbon in its vegetation. (Option (a) is correct)
• The Amazon rainforest is actually home to one-third (or more) of the world’s biodiversity, not just one-fifth. It harbors a vast array of flora and fauna, with thousands of species of plants, animals, birds, and insects. The rainforest’s immense biodiversity makes it one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.
• The Amazon rainforest actually receives between 2000 mm to 3000 mm of rainfall annually, making it one of the wettest regions in the world. This heavy rainfall supports its dense and diverse ecosystems. Rainfall is critical for maintaining the lush vegetation and the rivers that flow through the region.
• The Amazon rainforest is primarily located in Brazil, not Chile. Other countries that contain parts of the Amazon include Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Chile is located too far south to contain any part of the Amazon rainforest.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/40-of-amazon-rainforest-most-vital-to-climate-is-unprotected-9562983/

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched as a key initiative of the National Health Policy 2017, which recommended the establishment of a comprehensive healthcare plan to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The policy aimed to provide access to affordable and quality healthcare for all, particularly the vulnerable sections of society. (Statement 1 is correct)
• AB PM-JAY is indeed the largest health assurance scheme in the world, providing coverage to over 50 crore beneficiaries. It provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare across both public and private empaneled hospitals. No other health assurance scheme globally matches its scale in terms of the number of beneficiaries covered. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Under PM-JAY, there are no restrictions on family size, age, or gender. The scheme aims to ensure that all eligible families, as identified by the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, receive comprehensive health coverage. This feature helps ensure that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, women, and children, can access healthcare without worrying about limitations on eligibility. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://nha.gov.in/PM-JAY

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore to provide for procurement of e-buses as well as for setting up more than 72,000 charging stations for EV batteries in cities and on highways to address ‘range anxiety’ among buyers. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The scheme, named PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive), is valid for two years as per recent announcements. This timeframe is set to meet the short-term goals of enhancing electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure development in a focused period. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The PM E-DRIVE scheme aims to support approximately 25 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3 lakh electric three-wheelers, and 14,000 electric buses through demand incentives. No electric cars will be covered under the scheme.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-10900-crore-for-ev-push/article68631295.ece