Q 1 . With reference to hurricane, consider the following statements:
1 . When a storm’s maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph or 119 km/hr, it is called a hurricane.
2 . Hurricanes originate in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico; the eastern North Pacific Ocean, and, less frequently, the central North Pacific Ocean.
3 . The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating, or category, based on a hurricane’s maximum sustained winds.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(c) Why in news? Recently, Hurricane Idalia hit Florida. The storm is a Category 3 hurricane. ■ Florida is prone to hurricanes because of its location and climate. ■ Florida’s long coastline and location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico make it vulnerable to hurricanes from either side. ■ Warm ocean waters can fuel hurricanes. Florida’s low-lying coastline and shallow waters provide little protection from water being pushed inland by winds.
Q 2 . With reference to kākāpō parrot, consider the following statements:
1 . It is a large, swift flying parrot.
2 . It is a critically endangered species according to IUCN.
3 . It is found only in Africa.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(a) Only statement 2 is correct. Why in news? Genetic mapping of the nearly entire kākāpō population, a critically endangered flightless parrot found only in New Zealand, has revealed valuable insights into specific traits crucial for conservation efforts. ■ The kākāpō is also known as the owl parrot. ■ It is a large, flightless parrot that is native to New Zealand. ■ Kākāpō are known for their unique appearance, which includes a facial disc, owl-like eyes, and a large, gray beak. ■ IUCN Status: critically endangered. ■ They only breed every few years, triggered by the availability of certain forest foods.
Q 3 . The Compacts of Free Association(COFA) are a series of treaties between the United States and
(a) European Union
(b) Central American countries
(c) Caribbean countries
(d) Micronesia, Palau, and Marshall Islands
(d) Why in news? The United States signed agreements with Micronesia to extend economic assistance to the island state. The U.S. is also negotiating similar agreements with Palau and the Marshall Islands. ■ The Compacts of Free Association are a series of treaties between the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). ■ These treaties were partially established as compensation for the loss of life, health, land, and resources due to the numerous nuclear weapons tests on the Marshall Islands and Bikini and Enewetak Atolls issued by the U.S. from 1946 to 1958. ■ The Compacts allow citizens of Micronesia to live and legally work in the U.S. without a visa, as well as have access to social and health services. ■ In return, the U.S. has sole access and substantial amount of military and veto power over these islands that are are considered of strategic value.
Q 4 . With reference to Spamouflage, consider the following statements:
1 . Spamouflage is a Russian influence campaign that has been active on over 50 platforms and forums, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
2 . The campaign has pushed positive narratives about Russia and negative commentary about the United States, Western foreign policies, and critics of the Russian government.
3 . Spamouflage refers to tactics used by spamers where they replace certain letters with numbers in order to fool email spam filters.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(a) Only statement 3 is correct. Why in news? Recently Meta closed nearly 9,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to Chinese ‘Spamouflage’ foreign influence campaign. ■ Spamouflage refers to tactics used by spamers where they replace certain letters with numbers in order to fool email spam filters. ■ Spamouflage is a Chinese influence campaign that has been active on over 50 platforms and forums, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). ■ The campaign has pushed positive narratives about China and negative commentary about the United States, Western foreign policies, and critics of the Chinese government.
Q 5 . With reference to Y chromosome , consider the following statements:
1 . Y is normally the sex-determining chromosome in many species.
2 . The Y chromosome is passed only from father to son.
3 . In mammals, the Y chromosome contains the gene SRY, which triggers male development.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(c) Why in news? For the first time, scientists have successfully sequenced the Y chromosome, providing insights that could impact the understanding of male infertility and various health issues. The Y chromosome presented challenges due to its repetitive nature. Unlike other chromosomes, a significant portion of the Y chromosome consists of repetitive sequences and palindromes. ■ Chromosomes are thread-like structures that carry genetic information from cell to cell. ■ Chromosomes are made of DNA and proteins. ■ DNA is the material that holds genes, which are the building blocks of the human body. ■ Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. ■ The first 22 pairs are called autosomes. These code for most of the genetic traits in the body. ■ The 23rd pair are known as the sex chromosomes. These chromosomes decide if a person will be born male or female. ■ Females have two copies of the X chromosome, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
