UPSC Prelims 2015 Analysis

Explanation

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was presented to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• It was awarded in recognition of its path-breaking achievements, especially the Mars Orbiter Mission; its significant contributions in strengthening international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space etc.

• The award consists of a trophy made of banded Haematite Jasper, with a portrait of the late Prime Minister in the tradition of Jaipur miniature paintings, a cash award of Rs. 1 Crore and a Citation.

Explanation

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

• The GEAC is responsible for the appraisal of proposals involving the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

Explanation

Assessment of crop productivity IRS satellites capture data that helps assess crop health, growth stage, and potential yield. Locating groundwater resources Remote sensing allows for studying geological features and identifying potential zones with underground water reserves. Mineral exploration IRS data can reveal signatures of specific minerals on the Earth's surface, aiding in mineral exploration activities.

Telecommunications IRS satellites are not designed for telecommunication purposes. Geostationary satellites are typically used for this function. Traffic studies While remote sensing can be used for some traffic studies (e.g., analyzing transportation infrastructure), it's not the primary application of IRS satellites.

Therefore, only 1,2 and 3 are primary applications of IRS satellites.

Explanation

IceCube is a particle detector at the South Pole that records the interactions of a nearly massless subatomic particle called the neutrino .

IceCube searches for neutrinos from the most violent astrophysical sources events like exploding stars , gamma-ray bursts, and cataclysmic phenomena involving black holes and neutron stars.

The IceCube telescope is a powerful tool to search for dark matter and could reveal the physical processes associated with the enigmatic origin of the highest energy particles in nature.

In addition, exploring the background of neutrinos produced in the atmosphere, IceCube studies the neutrinos themselves; their energies far exceed those produced by accelerator beams.

IceCube is the world's largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice. It is buried beneath the surface, extending to about 2,500 meters. Burying it deep in ice is important to enhance the precision of the detector.

Thus, all three statements are correct.

Explanation

National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) is indeed an autonomous body established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

NIF's focus is not on highly advanced scientific research but rather on recognizing and supporting grassroots technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge developed by individuals and communities. These innovations often come from outside the formal scientific establishment. So, NIF works on a different level than collaborating with advanced foreign institutions, although its work can complement scientific research efforts. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.

Explanation

The Goldilocks Zone, also called the habitable zone, refers to the region around a star where conditions might be just right for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet.

Scientists believe liquid water is essential for life as we know it. So, when astronomers discover planets outside our solar system (exoplanets), they're particularly interested in those within the Goldilocks Zone of their host star.

Explanation

Near Field Communication (NFC) is indeed a contactless communication technology that relies on electromagnetic radio fields to transmit data between devices in close proximity. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

NFC operates over a very short range, typically requiring devices to be within a few centimetres of each other for successful communication. A meter is far too large a distance for NFC to function effectively. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.

NFC can employ encryption to safeguard sensitive information during transmission. This is an important security feature for applications like contactless payments. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Explanation

Targeted drug delivery is a promising application of nanotechnology in medicine. Nanoparticles can be designed to carry drugs specifically to diseased cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy.

Nanotechnology is being explored for gene therapy by creating nanocarriers that can deliver genetic material (e.g., DNA or RNA) into specific cells. This holds the potential for treating various genetic disorders.

Therefore, both statements are correct.

Explanation

Influenza (H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza (flu) in 2009 and is associated with the 1918 outbreak known as the Spanish Flu. It is an orthomyxovirus that contains the glycoproteins haemagglutinin and neuraminidase. For this reason, they are described as H1N1, H1N2 etc., depending on the type of H or N antigens they express with metabolic synergy.

• Haemagglutinin causes red blood cells to clump together and binds the virus to the infected cell.
• Neuraminidase is a type of glycoside hydrolase enzyme which helps to move the virus particles through the infected cell and assist in budding from the host cells.

In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new strain of swine-origin H1N1 as a pandemic. This strain is often called swine flu by the public media.