1. ‘SpiNNaker’, the world’s largest brain-like super computer is built by?

(a) The MIT university, USA

(b) NASA

(c) The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

(d) CERN

Answer: (c) Explanation:

• SpiNNaker (Spiking Neural Network Architecture) is a massively parallel, manycore supercomputer architecture designed by the Advanced Processor Technologies Research Group (APT) at the University of Manchester.

• It is composed of 57,600 ARM9 processors, each with 18 cores and 128 MB of mobile DDR SDRAM, totalling 1,036,800 cores and over 7 TB of RAM.

• The computing platform is based on spiking neural networks, useful in simulating the human brain. SpiNNaker is being used as one component of the neuromorphic computing platform for the Human Brain Project.

Source:https://singularityhub.com/2018/11/19/the-million-core-spinnaker- supercomputer-is-up-and-running/

2. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Gaganyaan’:

(1) It is India’s first manned space mission to be indigenously developed by ISRO

(2) GSLV MK-III launch vehicle will be used to launch Gaganyaan.

(3) It will be placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 300-400 km.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) Explanation: All the given statements are correct. Gaganyaan is a manned orbital spacecraft by ISRO which is expected to carry three people into the space for seven days.

GSLV Mk III, the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability. The spacecraft is expected to be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/photos/panorama/gaganyaan-2022-first- manned-space-flight-modi/1474.html#

3. In nuclear reactors, phenomenon of nuclear fission occurs due to which of the following?

(a) Absorption of protons

(b) Absorption of neutrons

(c) Absorption of electrons

(d) Emission of neutrons

Answer: (b) Explanation: The fission of a radioactive element in nuclear reactors is triggered by the absorption of a low energy neutron often termed a “slow neutron” or a “Thermal neutron”.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2016-04-22/how-nuclear-reactors- work-and-how-nuclear-accidents-happen/7346902

4. Which of the gases mentioned below are considered as Green House Gases (GHGs)?

(1) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

(2) Methane (CH4)

(3) Nitrous Oxide (NO2)

(4) Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

(5) Hydro Fluorocarbons (HFCs)

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (d) Explanation: A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Without greenhouse gases, the average temperature of Earth's surface would be about −18°C (0° F), rather than the present average of 15° C (59° F). In the Solar System, the atmospheres of Venus, Mars and Titan also contain gases that cause a greenhouse effect. The Kyoto Protocol targets these Green House Gases (GHGs): Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (NO2), Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) and also two groups of gases: Hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) and Per fluorocarbons (PFCs).

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Source: http://www.enviropedia.org.uk/Global_Warming/Greenhouse_Gases.php

5. In the context of heavy metal poisoning consider the following statements:

(1) Itai-Itai disease is caused by cadmium poisoning associated with softening of bones and kidney failure.

(2) Long term exposure to high levels of inorganic lead causes skin lesions and hard patches on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) Explanation: Heavy metal poisoning is the toxic accumulation of heavy metals in the soft tissues of the body.Heavy metals may enter the body in food, water, or air, or by absorption through the skin. Once in the body, they compete with and displace essential minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium, and calcium, and interfere with organ system function. People may come in contact with heavy metals in industrial work, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and agriculture. Statement (1) is correct. Itai-itai disease was the name given to the mass cadmium poisoning of Toyama Prefecture, Japan, starting around 1912. The term "itai-itai disease" was coined by locals for the severe pains people with the condition felt in the spine and joints. Cadmium poisoning can also cause softening of the bones and kidney failure. Statement (2) is incorrect. In arsenic poisoning through drinking water, the first changes are usually seen in skin, pigmentation changes and then skin lesions.

Source: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/diseases-and-conditions/pathology/heavy- metal-poisoning https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-heavy-metal-poisoning#1