Q1).With reference to the West Nile Virus (WNV), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: B
Explanation: > * Statement 1 is incorrect: West Nile Virus is a single-stranded RNA virus, not DNA.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The primary vector is the Culex mosquito, particularly Culex pipiens. Aedes is primarily associated with Dengue and Zika.
Statement 3 is correct: Birds are the natural reservoir hosts. Humans and horses are considered "dead-end" hosts because they do not develop high enough viral levels in their blood to pass the virus back to biting mosquitoes.
Q2) In the context of infectious diseases, why are humans and horses described as "dead-end hosts" for the West Nile Virus?
Answer: B
Explanation: A "dead-end host" (or incidental host) is one that can get the disease but does not develop a high enough level of the virus in the bloodstream to transmit it back to the vector (mosquito). Thus, the transmission cycle stops with them.
Q3).The Kalinga style of architecture, a sub-style of the Nagara school, typically consists of specific structural components. In the context of the Konark Sun Temple, which of the following refers to the Assembly Hall?
Answer: C
Explanation:
Jagamohana is the assembly hall where devotees gather.
Deula refers to the sanctum sanctorum or the main temple structure.
Nata-Mandira is the Dance Hall.
Shikhara is the mountain-like spire (most of which has collapsed at Konark).
Q4) The term "Photon Valley Corridor," recently seen in the news, is associated with:
Answer: B
Explanation: The "Photon Valley" refers to the high-altitude region in the Atacama Desert, Chile, where several sophisticated observatories (like Paranal and the upcoming ELT) operate side by side due to the area's exceptional atmospheric clarity.
It refers to the excessive and misdirected use of artificial light.
It can disrupt the circadian rhythms of wildlife and humans.
"Sky glow" refers to the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: D
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: This is the basic definition of light pollution.
Statement 2 is correct: Artificial light at night interferes with the biological clocks (circadian rhythms) of various species.
Statement 3 is correct: Sky glow is the most significant form of light pollution for astronomers as it makes it difficult to see faint celestial objects. In January 2026, a green power project was cancelled precisely because its light signature threatened the Paranal Observatory's scientific mission.
