Quality sleep key to protecting brain health amid rising screen time, say neurologists

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Black boxes are equipped with an Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB). When immersed in water, the ULB activates and emits an acoustic (ultrasonic) pulse (typically at 37.5 kHz) to guide sonar-equipped searchers. It does not emit light pulses, as light cannot travel effectively through deep ocean water. Statement 2 is Correct: The term "black box" collectively refers to two distinct recording devices (which are sometimes combined into a single unit): the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which records radio transmissions and sounds in the cockpit, and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which records technical flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, heading, and acceleration. Statement 3 is Correct: The data is stored inside a highly protected component called the Crash-Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU). To survive extreme impact (up to 3,400 Gs), deep-sea pressure, and intense fire (up to 1,100°C), the CSMU's outer armor is manufactured using heavy-duty stainless steel or titanium, layered with thermal insulation. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) is indeed an autonomous body established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India. Statement 2 is incorrect: NIF's focus is not on highly advanced scientific research but rather on recognizing and supporting grassroots technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge developed by individuals and communities. These innovations often come from outside the formal scientific establishment. So, NIF works on a different level than collaborating with advanced foreign institutions, although its work can complement scientific research efforts.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Nanoparticles can exist in nature (natural nanoparticles). Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and natural weathering processes can all create nanoparticles. Statement 2 is correct: Some cosmetics incorporate nanoparticles of ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sun protection or other purposes. Statement 3 is also correct: The safety of nanoparticles in consumer products is a complex issue and a growing area of research. Some nanoparticles might pose potential health or environmental risks depending on their specific properties and how they interact with the body or the environment.

Statement 1 is correct. Genetic engineering in vaccine development works by modifying the genetic material of viruses, bacteria, or lab-grown cells to produce specific proteins that trigger an immune response. Scientists first identify a target protein from a pathogen that can help the immune system recognize and fight it. They then insert the gene coding for this protein into a harmless virus, bacterial cell, or a lab-grown system, which acts as a factory to produce large amounts of the antigen. The antigen is then purified and combined with other ingredients to create the final vaccine. When injected, the vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack the actual pathogen if encountered in the future. This approach is used in various vaccines, including mRNA vaccines like those for COVID-19 and recombinant protein vaccines like the Hepatitis B vaccine. Statement 2 is correct. Bacteria and viruses are commonly used as vectors in recombinant vector vaccines. These vectors serve as delivery vehicles to transport genetic material from the target pathogen into host cells, where the antigens are produced. The host immune system then recognizes these antigens and mounts an immune response. | Vector Type | Examples of Vectors |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Viral Vectors | Adenovirus, Vaccinia Virus (MVA), Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), Measles Virus, Influenza Virus |
| Bacterial Vectors| Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) |
| Fungal Vectors | Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast) |
| Protozoan Vectors| Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi |

Statement 1 is Correct: The Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets are manufactured in India. They are produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Nashik facility under a licensing and technology-transfer agreement with Russia's Sukhoi. Recent contracts for the jets feature over 60% indigenous content. Statement 2 is Correct: The T-90 MK-III Tanks (Bhishma) are manufactured in India. These main battle tanks are produced by the state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, under a Russian license. The Indian Army recently began receiving the latest Mk-III variants from HVF. Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Akula Class Submarine is not manufactured in India. The Akula-class is a series of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) designed and built entirely in Russia. India does not manufacture them; rather, the Indian Navy has historically leased them from Russia (e.g., INS Chakra, leased in 2012 and returned in 2021) to train its crew and bolster its underwater capabilities. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The GenomeIndia Project is an independent, pan-India initiative launched in January 2020. It is not a part of the international Human Genome Project (which was a global effort that ran from 1990 to 2003). Instead, it was inspired by the Human Genome Project to address the historical underrepresentation of Indian genetics in global databases. Statement 2 is Correct: The project is officially funded and spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Statement 3 is Correct: Its core objective is to map and build a comprehensive catalogue of the genetic diversity of the Indian population. The project successfully sequenced 10,000 whole genomes from 99 distinct ethnic, social, and linguistic groups across India to create a reference genome for the Indian population. Therefore, Option B is correct.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a flagship initiative launched and implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, not the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Statement 2 is Correct: Matsya-6000 is an indigenous manned submersible vehicle developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). It is specifically designed to carry 3 people (aquanauts) in a titanium alloy sphere to a depth of 6,000 meters for deep-sea exploration, including the study of marine biodiversity and the mining of rare minerals like polymetallic nodules. Statement 3 is Correct: Samudrayaan is India's first manned deep-sea ocean mission and is a primary sub-project under the broader Deep Ocean Mission. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. - The GEAC is responsible for the appraisal of proposals involving the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

IAEA safeguards are a set of technical safeguards applied by the IAEA to independently verify any nuclear facilities to check if it is not misused or deviated from peaceful uses. IAEA Safeguards are meant to understand if imported/enriched uranium is not used for non-peaceful purposes. New reactors under IAEA safeguards The decision will be based on the source of uranium.

✅ A. silver iodide and potassium iodide: True Both are used in cloud seeding because their crystalline structures help form ice nuclei, inducing rainfall. ❌ B. silver nitrate and potassium iodide: False Silver nitrate is not used for artificial rainmaking. ❌ C. silver iodide and potassium nitrate: False Potassium nitrate is not used in cloud seeding. ❌ D. silver nitrate and potassium chloride: False Neither chemical is used in artificial rainmaking. Therefore, option A is correct.

The article states that quality sleep is crucial for brain repair, memory consolidation, and clearing metabolic waste. While melatonin regulates sleep, sleep itself doesn't primarily *increase* melatonin production; rather, screen time *suppresses* it, disrupting the sleep cycle. The other options are explicitly mentioned as primary functions of sleep.

The article explicitly states, 'prolonged screen exposure, particularly during the evening, suppresses melatonin production, disrupting the body’s circadian rhythm'. While altering reward pathways (D) is also an effect of screen use, suppressing melatonin (C) is the primary mechanism for disrupting the *sleep cycle*.

The article states, 'increasing screen time, chronic stress and irregular sleep patterns are contributing to cognitive decline and raising risk of neurological disorders.' It further adds, 'Lifestyle factors such as long working hours, poor dietary habits, chronic stress and lack of physical activity further compound the problem.' Thus, all four factors are mentioned as contributors.