Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• Klotho is a protein that is primarily produced in the kidneys. It has been shown to suppress both oxidative stress and age related inflammation and hence makes it an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-aging factor. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Klotho is a ‘longevity factor’ protein, a naturally occurring protein that declines in our bodies with age. Previous research on mice had shown that injections of klotho can extend the animals’ lives and increase synaptic plasticity (the capacity to control communication between neurons, at junctions called synapses). Injecting ageing monkeys with Klotho can improve their cognitive function, a study published in Nature Aging reveals. The findings could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Recently, The Ludhiana-based institution, which played a pivotal role during the Green Revolution to make India surplus in foodgrains by developing high-yielding strains, has bred a new wheat variety with high amylose starch content, known to reduce risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Eating chapatis made from this wheat — called PBW RS1, with RS being short for resistant starch — won’t cause an immediate and rapid rise in glucose levels. The high amylose and resistant starch, instead, ensure that glucose is released more slowly into the bloodstream. Being slower to digest also increases a feeling of satiety. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• Recently, the leaders of the Solomon Islands and China met to strengthen their relations, leading to signed agreements on police, economic and technical cooperation.
• The Solomon Islands is an archipelago consisting of a group of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is situated in the northeast of Australia. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The capital city of the Solomon Islands is Honiara. It has a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and coral reefs. The Solomon Islands gained independence from the United Kingdom on July 7, 1978. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The official language of the Solomon Islands is English. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The estimated population of the Solomon Islands is around 700,000 people. The majority of the population resides in rural areas. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

• Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) board is expected to discuss important matters related to Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) disclosure norms and the Total Expense Ratio (TER) charged by mutual funds.
• Total Expense Ratio (TER) refers to the percentage of a mutual fund's assets that is charged as expenses to investors. TER is calculated by dividing the total expenses incurred by a mutual fund scheme by its average net assets. The expenses covered by TER include sales and marketing expenses, administrative costs, investment management fees, audit fees, registrar fees, transaction costs, custodian fees and other operational expenses.
• TER is a crucial metric for investors as it directly impacts the overall return on investment. Lower TER indicates lower expenses and potentially higher returns for investors.

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Recently, researchers at Microsoft announced a breakthrough in creating a strange particle called Majorana zero modes.

Majorana Zero Modes:

• Majorana zero modes are particles that can be used as qubits in topological quantum computing.
• These particles exhibit non-Abelian statistics and are resistant to losing the information they hold.

Topological Quantum Computing:

• Majorana zero modes enable topological quantum computing, a powerful form of computing.
• Topological quantum computers take advantage of the peculiar mathematical rules of non-Abelian statistics to perform complex computations.