Answer: (C)

Explanation: A somatic mutation describes any alteration at the cellular level in somatic tissues occurring after fertilization. These mutations do not involve the germline and consequently do not pass on to offspring. An error that occurs in the DNA after birth but during development is called a somatic genetic mutation. Their occurrence is driven by the repeated ‘copy-pasting’ of the genome. As the cells divide, the DNA is copied with extremely high accuracy due to proteins. A somatic genetic mutation can render a cell fitter than others, which lead to the formation of tumours. So these mutations are called driver mutations. Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) measures the average sea surface temperature deviation from the normal in the east-central equatorial Pacific region. ONI is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s primary indicator for monitoring the ocean part of the seasonal climate pattern called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ONI tracks the running 3-month average sea surface temperatures in the east-central tropical Pacific between 120°-170°W, near the International Dateline. El Nino conditions is said to be present in the ocean when the index is +0.5 or higher. Oceanic La Nina conditions exist when the ONI is -0.5 or lower, indicating the region is 0.5 degrees Celsius or more cooler than average. Recently, the NOAA has predicted a 66% probability of the ONI exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius during October-December 2023 and a 75% chance of it remaining above 1 degree in January-March 2024. Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Bidri pottery is a traditional Karnataka handcraft that started in Bidar. It entails the creation of metal goods using a unique technology that combines zinc and copper. Bidri ceramics have a long history dating back to the 14th century. During the reign of the Bahmani Sultans, Persian artisans introduced it to Bidar. The Indian government granted its Geographical Indication designation in 2006, recognizing its unique origin and traditional crafting processes. UNESCO has also designated Bidriware as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has begun releasing important data from the scientific experiments being conducted by the instruments on board. On Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released first-of-its-kind data from the observations made by ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment), one of the four instruments on the lander module. ChaSTE is meant to study the heat conductivity of the Moon’s surface and measure the differences in temperatures at different points on and below the surface, with the overall objective of creating a thermal profile of the Moon. Lander module also has payloads ILSA and RAMBHA. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Prime Minister declared August 23 as National Space Day to commemorate India’s achievement of Chandrayaan-3 (Soft landing on moon’s southern hemisphere). The place where ‘Vikram’ lander touchdown on lunar surface is to be referred as “Shiv Shakti Point”. The place where Chandrayaan-2 lander crash-landed on Moon's surface in 2019 now named “Tiranga”. Meanwhile, Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload, onboard Vikram Lander, has noticed a variation from 70 degree Celsius to minus 10 degree Celsius temperature on lunar surface. Hence, all statements are correct.