Daily Quiz #4 UPSC Prelims Marathon – September 5, 2019

Explanation: Of all the mineral resources considered as potential targets for deep-sea mining, polymetallic nodules (also commonly called manganese nodules) are probably the most likely commodity to be developed into a commercial operation. As well as containing commerically attractive (though variable) levels of metals such as nickel, copper and cobalt, their occurrence on the seafloor surface presents a relatively straightforward engineering challenge in terms of their extraction when compared to some other metal deposits in the deep sea.
Polymetallic nodules are rounded accretions of manganese and iron hydroxides that cover vast areas of the seafloor, but are most abundant on abyssal plains at water depths of 4000-6500 metres. They form through the aggregation of layers of iron and manganese hydroxides around a central particle (such as a shell or small rock fragment), and range in size from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. Growth of these nodules is extremely slow, at a rate of millimetres per million years, and they remain on the seafloor surface, often partially buried in a thin later of sediment. The composition of nodules varies with their environment of formation, but in additon to manganese and iron, they can contain nickel, copper and cobalt in commercially attractive concentrations as well as traces of other valuable metals such as molybdenum, zirconium and REEs.

Explanation: Russia launches world’s first floating nuclear reactor in Arctic. Nuclear agency Rosatom says the reactor is a simpler alternative to building a conventional plant on ground that is frozen all year round, and it intends to sell such reactors abroad.
But environmental groups have long warned of the dangers of the project, dubbing it a potential “Chernobyl on ice” and a “nuclear Titanic.” The vessel weighs 21,000 tons and has two reactors with a capacity of 35 megawatts each, close to that of those used by nuclear icebreakers.

Explanation: The European Space Agency (ESA) recently tested a device which is designed to assist in astronaut rescue missions on the surface of the Moon. The test was among preparations for NASA’s 2024 Artemis Mission. The device is called the Lunar Evacuation System Assembly (LESA). LESA is a pyramid-like structure. It can be operated by a single astronaut to help rescue an injured astronaut on the surface of the moon. It will enable an astronaut to lift their crewmate onto a mobile stretcher in less than 10 minutes, before carrying them to the safety of a nearby pressurised lander. ARTEMIS stands for Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun. It will be a manned moon mission. The Artemis mission includes establishing of lunar outpost, investigating the Moon’s resources and how they might be exploited and using it a base to explore Mars and further into deep space.

Explanation: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites, which are transmitted by bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is one of world’s leading killer diseases. It is preventable and curable. In 2017, about 219 million cases of malaria were reported in 87 countries, and number of malaria deaths was 435,000.
Developed by GlaxoSmithKline, the RTS,S vaccine has been in the making for 30 years and has shown partial protection against Plasmodium falciparum in young children. Clinical trials found that the vaccine prevent 4 of 10 malaria cases, as well as 3 in 10 cases of severe malaria. The vaccine also cut the level of severe anemia—the most common reason kids die from the disease—by 60%. The pilot program’s goal is to reach 360,000 children each year in the three countries. Health ministries will guide where the vaccine will be given, focusing on areas with moderate-to-high transmission. The WHO will use the results from the pilot program to guide its policy recommendations on wider use of the RTS,S vaccine.

Explanation: The Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FINE) is a unique initiative of the Office of the President of India to recognise, respect and reward grassroots innovations and foster a supportive ecosystem. Hosted in the month of March at The President’s House, the FOIN has become a national celebration of creativity and innovation at and for grassroots. FINE would provide platform to the innovators for building the linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve their prospects in coming years for the larger social good. It will also help in promoting lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the ecosystem for new India. It would also be a great opportunity to create awareness about the importance of various Ministries of Government of India attaches to their effort and participation in the FINE.
It is imperative that India becomes a growth engine for the world and provides a new model of inclusive development by providing a large number of open technological and other solutions for the developing and developed world. In sync with the policies of the government of India, FINE will provide a window to the creative and innovative solutions for social development through grassroots innovations, student ideas and other technologies for agriculture, rural development, sanitation, health, women and child development, biotechnology and medical innovation for grassroots.