Question 6: Consider the following statements:

1. The organisms which eat viruses are called virovore.
2. They are made up of nucleic acids, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

About Virovore:

• The organisms which eat viruses are called virovore.
• It has been identified as an actual species of protist that feasts on viruses.
• These virus-eating species of protists which are their kingdom on the tree of life and are not an animal, plants, or fungi are now classified as Virovores.
• It is a species of Halteria; microscopic ciliates that populate freshwater worldwide.
• The microbe Halteria is a common genus of protists known to flit about as its hair-like cilia propel it through the water.
• They’re made up of nucleic acids, nitrogen, and phosphorus. It can eat huge numbers of infectious chloral viruses that share their aquatic habitat.
• These organisms can sustain themselves with viruses, consuming many and growing in size.
• The new findings may change our understanding of the role viruses play in the food chain at a microscopic level.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/virovore-breakthrough-what-is-virovore-an-organism-that-eats-viruses-discovered-101672747643136.html

Question 7: Consider the following statements:

1. Qualcomm unveiled Snapdragon Satellite; a new satellite connectivity standard developed in partnership with operator Iridium.
2. The Snapdragon Satellite only uses the service when the user is in remote locations where there is no cellular reception.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

Snapdragon Satellite launches on Android smartphones.

• At CES 2023, Qualcomm unveiled Snapdragon Satellite, a new satellite connectivity standard developed in partnership with operator Iridium. The basic idea here is the same as Apple’s iPhone 14 generation.
• If no mobile network is available to you, Android smartphones are supposed to be able to make emergency calls thanks to Snapdragon Satellite.
• However, Qualcomm’s solution goes beyond that and offers the possibility to send SMS messages to family members or friends, for example.
• However, a prerequisite for using the satellite network is current Android smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s high-end SoC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2– which is expected to be used in most flagships in model year 2023. This is because the Snapdragon X70 5G modem, which enables communication via the corresponding L-band, is already integrated only here.
• The Snapdragon Satellite also only uses the service when the user is in remote locations where there is no cellular reception. A clear view of the sky is of course also mandatory in this case.

Source: https://basic-tutorials.com/news/snapdragon-satellite-qualcomm-launches-satellite-emergency-call-and-sms-for-android/

Question 8: Consider the following statements:

1. The Central Sector Scheme “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” will be implemented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
2. It is aimed to bring modernization to the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati i.e. All India Radio (AIR) and Door Darshan (DD). 

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the Central Sector Scheme “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” (BIND). 

About BIND scheme

• The outlay of the scheme is Rs.2,539.61 crore and is for the time period 2025-26.
• It is aimed to bring modernization to the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati i.e. All India Radio (AIR) and Door Darshan (DD). 
• It is the vehicle for providing financial support to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to the expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development, and civil work related to the organization.
• The scheme is also focusing on the development of high-quality content for a both domestic and international audience. 

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1888540

Question 9: Consider the following statements:

1. Zeliangrong community of Manipur celebrates Gaan Ngai festival.
2. Zeliangrong community comprises three Naga tribes – Rongmei, Liangmai, and Zeme tribes.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• Zeliangrong community of Manipur celebrates Gaan Ngai festival.
• It is the biggest post-harvest and cultural festival across the state.
• Zeliangrong community comprises three Naga tribes – Rongmei, Liangmai, and Zeme tribes living at tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaan-Ngai

Question 10: Consider the following statements:

1. The Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
2. It is the only Restricted Union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in the region.

Which of the following statements is/are true?
A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

The Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU)

• India will take over the charge of Secretary General of APPU for a tenure of 4 years.
• APPU is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
• Goal of APPU is to extend, facilitate and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation in the field of postal services.
• It is the only Restricted Union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in the region, which is a specialized agency of UN.
• Headquarter: Bangkok, Thailand.

Source: https://www.appu-bureau.org/