Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – October 02-03, 2022 [Mock Test]
October 5, 2022 October 5, 2022
1. With respect to the IceCube, consider the following statements:
- The IceCube telescope is a powerful tool to search for dark matter.
- IceCube studies the neutrons.
- The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is constructed at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:- 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 kilometer of ice.
- The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is constructed at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica. The project is a recognized CERN experiment. It is buried beneath the surface, extending to a depth of about 2,500 meters.
2. Consider the following statements about Anthrax:
- It is caused by spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus anthracis.
- As per WHO, it is a disease of carnivores.
- It is a non-zoonotic disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:- An outbreak of Anthraxhas been declared in Athirappilly of Thrissur district, after finding several carcasses of wild boar.
- Anthrax is a serious infectious disease, which is caused by spore-forming bacteria.
- Anthrax is also called woolsorter’s disease or malignant pustule. It is a rare but serious disease, caused due to rod-shaped bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. These bacteria occur naturally in soil.
- As per WHO, Anthrax is a disease of herbivores, affecting wild as well as domestic animals. It is a zoonotic disease; thus, it is transmissible from animals to humans.
3. With respect to the Banni grasslands, consider the following statements:
- It is situated near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
- It is inhabited by Maldharis.
- It is one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- The Gujarat Forest department will restore 10,000 hectares of the Banni grasslands in the coming year.
- It is the largest grassland (accounting for 45% of pastures in Gujarat) in Asia situated near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
- Maldharis are a tribal herdsmen community inhabiting Banni.
- It is one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India and a possible reintroduction site for the species.
