The correct answer is (B) Concerns over an ageing population

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are seeing significant growth in their elderly populations, which has sparked discussions on pro-natalist policies to counterbalance ageing demographics. The Southern states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have lower fertility rates and higher life expectancy, leading to an older population. With the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 1.9 (below the replacement rate of 2.1), population growth in these regions is slower, and there is an increasing need to support elderly citizens while maintaining workforce levels.

The correct answer is (C) 2070

India’s population growth is projected to continue until 2070 due to population momentum, even though the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped below the replacement rate. Population momentum occurs when a large proportion of the population is in the reproductive age group, resulting in continued population growth for several decades. While fertility rates are declining, this existing demographic structure will sustain population growth for years to come.

The correct answer is (C) 16.5%

In 2021, 16.5% of Kerala’s population was elderly, highlighting its ageing demographic. Kerala has one of the highest proportions of elderly residents in India, reflecting the state’s high life expectancy and low fertility rates. By 2036, this percentage is projected to rise even further, reaching 22.8%, underscoring the growing need for policies to support the ageing population in the state.

The correct answer is (B) To safeguard global crop diversity as a backup

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in Norway’s Arctic Svalbard archipelago, serves as a “doomsday” vault for safeguarding crop diversity. It holds over a million varieties of food crops as a backup for global gene banks, ensuring that seeds are preserved for emergencies and routine conservation. The vault’s natural freezing conditions provide a stable environment, helping to protect genetic diversity essential for global food security.

The correct answer is (B) Nordic Genetic Resources Centre

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is managed by the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre under a U.N. treaty. This facility provides secure storage for seeds contributed by various gene banks worldwide, offering a no-cost backup for maintaining agricultural biodiversity. Only the original depositors can access their seeds, preserving ownership rights while ensuring that the seeds remain protected in a stable, long-term environment.

The correct answer is (B) Permafrost

Svalbard’s permafrost and low temperatures create an ideal environment for preserving seeds in the Global Seed Vault. The permafrost provides natural refrigeration, keeping the vault’s interior at -18°C and ensuring long-term stability even during power outages. This cost-effective, natural cooling system protects the seeds against extreme weather and climate threats, safeguarding global food security by preserving agricultural biodiversity.

The correct answer is (B) Highlighting environmental protection in conflict zones

The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War & Armed Conflict, observed on November 6, focuses on protecting ecosystems in war-affected areas. This U.N.-initiated day raises awareness of the environmental consequences of armed conflict, emphasizing that preserving natural resources and ecosystems is as crucial as safeguarding human lives. It encourages global cooperation and adherence to laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, to minimize environmental damage during conflicts.

The correct answer is (B) Strengthening legal protections for the environment in war

This international day, designated by the United Nations, calls for strengthening legal frameworks to protect the environment during armed conflicts. It advocates for enforcing international laws like the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit warfare tactics that cause severe environmental destruction. The day emphasizes that environmental stewardship is essential for sustainable peace and post-conflict recovery, encouraging efforts to protect ecosystems in conflict zones.

The correct answer is (D) U.N. Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

U.N. Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture *Explanation:* The U.N. Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture governs the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, allowing depositors to retain ownership of their seeds. The vault acts as a secure backup, where only depositors can access their samples, preserving confidentiality and control. This system protects agricultural biodiversity, ensuring that gene banks worldwide have a resilient and accessible reserve of crop varieties for emergencies and conservation.

The correct answer is (B) Population momentum from a large reproductive-age population

Although India’s TFR has declined to 1.9, below the replacement rate of 2.1, the country’s population is expected to grow until 2070 due to population momentum. A substantial segment of the population remains in the reproductive age group, which will continue driving population growth even as fertility rates decrease. This momentum will sustain growth for several decades before stabilizing as the younger demographic ages.

The correct answer is (B) It creates cost-effective natural refrigeration for seed storage

Svalbard’s permafrost helps maintain a stable, cost-effective refrigeration system for the seeds stored in the Global Seed Vault. Even in the event of power outages, the permafrost and low Arctic temperatures keep the vault’s interior cool at -18°C, preserving the seeds for long-term storage. This natural cooling system is crucial for protecting the genetic diversity of global food crops in case of global crises or climate threats.

The correct answer is (C) It enhances global food security and biodiversity

The United Nations-backed global network supporting the Svalbard Global Seed Vault plays a critical role in preserving food security and biodiversity by providing a secure, centralized backup for gene banks worldwide. Through contributions from various countries and organizations, this network helps protect crop varieties and genetic resources essential for resilient agriculture. In recognition of its importance, the vault was awarded the World Food Prize for its significant contributions to global food security.

The correct answer is (B) Modifying RNA sequences after transcription

RNA editing refers to the process of altering the sequence of RNA after it has been transcribed from DNA. By making changes to the mRNA, scientists can correct mistakes in the sequence, allowing the cell to produce accurate proteins. Unlike DNA editing, RNA editing is not permanent, and the edits may fade over time, requiring repeated treatments. This technology uses guide RNA (gRNA) to direct the enzyme ADAR to specific parts of the mRNA that need correction.

The correct answer is (C) ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA)

ADAR enzymes are essential for RNA editing as they facilitate the conversion of adenosine (A) to inosine (I) within RNA sequences. This enzyme group is naturally present in the human body and allows scientists to make temporary changes in the mRNA, making the approach relatively safe with minimal immune reactions. ADAR-based editing is particularly useful because it enables specific, directed changes in RNA without permanently altering DNA, reducing the risk of irreversible errors.

The correct answer is (D) Transient nature requiring repeated treatments

RNA editing is temporary, meaning the edits to the RNA sequence do not last indefinitely. As a result, individuals undergoing RNA editing treatments may need repeated doses to sustain therapeutic effects. Unlike DNA editing, which results in permanent changes, RNA editing fades over time as the cell naturally degrades and replaces its mRNA, necessitating continued administration of the therapy to maintain results.

The correct answer is (B) They share food with bats that have previously helped them

Vampire bats exhibit unique social behaviors, including food-sharing based on reciprocity. They remember which bats have shared food with them in the past and reciprocate accordingly, fostering cooperative relationships within their group. This behavior mirrors human social interactions, where new relationships start with small acts of sharing or mutual grooming before deeper bonds form. Such reciprocity helps vampire bats, which rely solely on a blood diet, to survive when food sources are scarce.

The correct answer is (B) Specialized heat sensors in their snouts

Vampire bats have developed specialized heat sensors in their snouts, which help them identify the ideal feeding spots on their prey. These sensors detect warmth, guiding the bats to blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This unique adaptation, combined with an anticoagulant in their saliva that keeps the blood flowing, makes vampire bats exceptionally efficient at feeding solely on blood.

The correct answer is (D) IUCN

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), native to North America, is listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are critical for this species, as it faces threats from habitat loss and diseases affecting its primary prey, the prairie dog. Successful cloning efforts are a significant step in supporting its population recovery.

The correct answer is (B) Lipid nanoparticles

Lipid nanoparticles are currently used to deliver the gRNA-ADAR complex for RNA editing. However, this delivery method has a limited carrying capacity, restricting its ability to transport large molecules effectively. Researchers continue to explore ways to improve delivery mechanisms to ensure that RNA editing therapies can be applied more efficiently and accurately, especially for complex genetic treatments.

The correct answer is (A) ADAR enzymes cause unintended adenosine-to-inosine changes

RNA editing via ADAR enzymes can sometimes result in off-target adenosine-to-inosine changes in unintended parts of the mRNA, or may miss targeted areas. This specificity challenge adds complexity to RNA editing, as scientists aim to develop methods that minimize non-target effects and increase precision. Additionally, since RNA editing is not permanent, effects fade over time, and repeated treatments are often necessary for sustained therapeutic impact.