Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – December 21, 2022
December 27, 2022 December 27, 2022
1. Consider the following statements about Ethereum blockchain platform:
- It is a centralised platform.
- It has transitioned from ‘proof of stake’ to a ‘proof-of-work’ consensus mechanism.
- Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralised finance (DeFi) are based on the Ethereum network.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] Only 1 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 3]
Notes:- Recently, the Ethereum blockchain platform fully transitioned from ‘proof of work’ to a ‘proof-of-stake’ consensus mechanism and this revamp is known as the
- As a decentralised platform, Ethereum doesn’t have institutions like banks approving the transactions that happen on its network – the approvals were earlier happening under the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism which was essentially done by miners.
- Proof-of-stake’ (PoS) mechanism assigns ‘validators’ randomly to approve transactions and earn a small reward.
- Some of the most popular applications of cryptocurrencies such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralised finance (DeFi) are based on the Ethereum network.
2. Which of the following can be the advantages/disadvantages of the transition from ‘proof of work’ to a ‘proof of stake’ consensus mechanism, as done recently by the Ethereum blockchain platform?
- Enhanced security
- High energy consumption
- High cost
- High returns
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1 & 4
[D] Only 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 4]
Notes:- It will make transactions on the Ethereum network extremely secure.
- The move to PoS will reduce ethereum’s energy consumption by nearly 99.95 percent.
- It is also being seen as an environmentally conscious move as it claims to cut down on its carbon footprint, nearly entirely.
- It will help in reducing the cost per transaction, charged by miners and validators.
- It will also allow ordinary people to earn returns on ethereum by participating in this new process of validation (staking).
3. Drugs, ‘Pretomanid’, ‘Ethambutol’, ‘Pyrazinamide’ etc are used to treat which of the following medical conditions?
[A] Malaria
[B] Tuberculosis
[C] Cancer
[D] Leprosy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tuberculosis]
Notes:- For new TB cases, the treatment in intensive phase (IP) consists of four drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide & Ethambutol. Injection streptomycin is also given along with four drugs.
- CBNAAT (Cartridges Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test)is used for early diagnosis of Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB).
- MDR-TB does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful anti-TB drugs.
- Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a form of multidrug-resistant TB with additional resistance to more anti-TB drugs. People who are resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin) are said to have XDR-TB.
- Pretomanid is the new drug for treating MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
