Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, Microalgae and more (Week 124)
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With reference to the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), consider the following statements:
1. It is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil.
2. There are no effective treatments for the disease yet.
3. It is a liver infection.
4. It is a communicable disease.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Explanation
— Three cases of the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been reported in Kerala in recent days, leading to the death of a nine-year-old and infecting a three-month-old baby. PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also called 'brain-eating amoeba'. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
— The first case of PAM in India was reported in 1971, and the first case in Kerala was reported in 2016. From 2016 to 2023, the state had only eight cases. Last year, Kerala had 36 cases and nine deaths. PAM is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba or single-celled living organism, is the cause of PAM. It is found worldwide in warm, fresh soil and water, and it infects humans when it enters the body through the nose. It grows well at temperatures as high as 115°F (46°C), and it can endure brief exposure to warm temperatures.
— Warm freshwater environments including lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, and other recreational areas with little or no chlorination are home to amoeba.
— As previously said, experts are still unable to find any viable remedies for the illness. Doctors currently treat it using a mix of medications, such as dexamethasone, amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, and miltefosine. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— People cannot get infected with Naegleria fowleri from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba. PAM is also non-communicable. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater.
Statement 2: As the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.
(d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.
Explanation
— Microalgae are primarily found in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
— Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. According to the researchers, as the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. They can remove a variety of pollutants, including nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, and other toxins, all while producing important biomass. This methodology provides a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
With reference to the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCOs), consider the following statements:
1. OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space to understand the characteristics of climate change.
2. The satellite not only measures atmospheric CO2, it can also locate its sources and sinks.
3. The data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests and coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere play in the absorption of CO2.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— The Trump administration has reportedly asked the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare to shut down two major satellites that monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and crop health.
— OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space in order to better understand the characteristics of climate change. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The first mission, called OCO, of the series failed soon after launch in February 2009, as the launch vehicle's 'fairing', the nose cone that protects the payload, did not separate during the ascent. The extra weight of the fairing prevented the satellite from reaching its orbit.
— In July 2014, OCO-2, a replacement satellite, was launched. It was constructed with the original OCO goal of minimising the effects on time, cost, and performance in mind.
— The satellite can identify the sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2 in addition to measuring it. The mission also measures the 'glow' that plants produce during photosynthesis to follow crops and crop-growing seasons. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— To further improve the measurement of atmospheric CO2, a third mission, OCO-3, was sent to the ISS in 2019. After OCO-2 was assembled, the surplus parts were used to build OCO-3.
— However, data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests – also known as taiga, the coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere – play in the absorption of CO2. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
The 'vitrification process' is related to:
(a) Management of radioactive wastes
(b) Conversion of biomass into biofuel
(c) Preservation of biological tissues at low temperature
(d) Extraction of metals from ores
Explanation
— Radioactive waste is produced at many stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the manufacture and use of radionuclides for a variety of societal uses. The various types of radioactive waste are generated by activities such as mining and processing uranium ore, manufacturing nuclear fuel, generating power in nuclear reactors, processing spent nuclear fuel, managing radioactive waste, producing and using radionuclides for various industrial and medical applications, conducting research with radioactive materials, and so on.
— India is one of the few countries to have mastered the technology of vitrification. BARC has developed the technology for vitrifying HLW over the years. India is unique in that it has vitrification plants in operation in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam.
— The vitrification process at our current Trombay plant is mainly a batch operation that involves heating and fusing pre-concentrated waste with glass-forming additives in an induction-heated metallic meltter.
— In vitrification, glass-forming ingredients are combined with radioactive waste and heated until they melt. After cooling to create a stable glass, the molten mixture immobilises the radionuclides and lowers the possibility of environmental leakage.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Source: http://www.barc.gov.in)
With reference to the Regenerative Braking System (RBS) in trains, consider the following statements:
1. When regenerative braking is employed, the kinetic energy of the train is released as heat.
2. It is more efficient than a loco haul train.
3. The Vande Bharat Express trains have the advanced Regenerative Braking System.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
— A standard electric train braking system employs dynamic braking, in which the train's kinetic energy is released as waste, primarily in the form of heat. When regenerative braking is used, the current in the electric motors is reversed, which slows the train. At the same time, the electro motors generate electricity, which is then returned to the power distribution system. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The Regenerative Braking System is more efficient than a loco haul train. Regenerative braking systems reuse kinetic energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— This generated electricity can be utilised to power additional trains in the network or to offset power demands from other loads, such as station lighting.
— The Vande Bharat Express provides several superior amenities that will provide passengers an aircraft-like travel experience. Vande Bharat Trains' safety measures, such as the Advanced Regenerative Braking System, contribute to their green footprint. Furthermore, it can save up to 30% on electrical consumption. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
(Source: er.indianrailways.gov.in, http://www.ctc-n.org)
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 122)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 124)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 123)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 123)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 123)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 123)
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UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. 2. There are no effective treatments for the disease yet. 3. It is a liver infection. 4. It is a communicable disease. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Three cases of the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been reported in Kerala in recent days, leading to the death of a nine-year-old and infecting a three-month-old baby. PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also called 'brain-eating amoeba'. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The first case of PAM in India was reported in 1971, and the first case in Kerala was reported in 2016. From 2016 to 2023, the state had only eight cases. Last year, Kerala had 36 cases and nine deaths. PAM is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba or single-celled living organism, is the cause of PAM. It is found worldwide in warm, fresh soil and water, and it infects humans when it enters the body through the nose. It grows well at temperatures as high as 115°F (46°C), and it can endure brief exposure to warm temperatures. — Warm freshwater environments including lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, and other recreational areas with little or no chlorination are home to amoeba. — As previously said, experts are still unable to find any viable remedies for the illness. Doctors currently treat it using a mix of medications, such as dexamethasone, amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, and miltefosine. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — People cannot get infected with Naegleria fowleri from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba. PAM is also non-communicable. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. Statement 2: As the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — Microalgae are primarily found in freshwater and marine ecosystems. — Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. According to the researchers, as the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. They can remove a variety of pollutants, including nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, and other toxins, all while producing important biomass. This methodology provides a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCOs), consider the following statements: 1. OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space to understand the characteristics of climate change. 2. The satellite not only measures atmospheric CO2, it can also locate its sources and sinks. 3. The data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests and coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere play in the absorption of CO2. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Trump administration has reportedly asked the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to prepare to shut down two major satellites that monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and crop health. — OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space in order to better understand the characteristics of climate change. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The first mission, called OCO, of the series failed soon after launch in February 2009, as the launch vehicle's 'fairing', the nose cone that protects the payload, did not separate during the ascent. The extra weight of the fairing prevented the satellite from reaching its orbit. — In July 2014, OCO-2, a replacement satellite, was launched. It was constructed with the original OCO goal of minimising the effects on time, cost, and performance in mind. — The satellite can identify the sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2 in addition to measuring it. The mission also measures the 'glow' that plants produce during photosynthesis to follow crops and crop-growing seasons. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — To further improve the measurement of atmospheric CO2, a third mission, OCO-3, was sent to the ISS in 2019. After OCO-2 was assembled, the surplus parts were used to build OCO-3. — However, data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests – also known as taiga, the coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere – play in the absorption of CO2. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The 'vitrification process' is related to: (a) Management of radioactive wastes (b) Conversion of biomass into biofuel (c) Preservation of biological tissues at low temperature (d) Extraction of metals from ores Explanation — Radioactive waste is produced at many stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the manufacture and use of radionuclides for a variety of societal uses. The various types of radioactive waste are generated by activities such as mining and processing uranium ore, manufacturing nuclear fuel, generating power in nuclear reactors, processing spent nuclear fuel, managing radioactive waste, producing and using radionuclides for various industrial and medical applications, conducting research with radioactive materials, and so on. — India is one of the few countries to have mastered the technology of vitrification. BARC has developed the technology for vitrifying HLW over the years. India is unique in that it has vitrification plants in operation in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam. — The vitrification process at our current Trombay plant is mainly a batch operation that involves heating and fusing pre-concentrated waste with glass-forming additives in an induction-heated metallic meltter. — In vitrification, glass-forming ingredients are combined with radioactive waste and heated until they melt. After cooling to create a stable glass, the molten mixture immobilises the radionuclides and lowers the possibility of environmental leakage. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Source: With reference to the Regenerative Braking System (RBS) in trains, consider the following statements: 1. When regenerative braking is employed, the kinetic energy of the train is released as heat. 2. It is more efficient than a loco haul train. 3. The Vande Bharat Express trains have the advanced Regenerative Braking System. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — A standard electric train braking system employs dynamic braking, in which the train's kinetic energy is released as waste, primarily in the form of heat. When regenerative braking is used, the current in the electric motors is reversed, which slows the train. At the same time, the electro motors generate electricity, which is then returned to the power distribution system. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Regenerative Braking System is more efficient than a loco haul train. Regenerative braking systems reuse kinetic energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — This generated electricity can be utilised to power additional trains in the network or to offset power demands from other loads, such as station lighting. — The Vande Bharat Express provides several superior amenities that will provide passengers an aircraft-like travel experience. Vande Bharat Trains' safety measures, such as the Advanced Regenerative Braking System, contribute to their green footprint. Furthermore, it can save up to 30% on electrical consumption. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Source: Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 124) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 123) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
